One-Year Changes in Cardiovascular Risk Markers in Police Officers

Abstract

PURPOSE: The present study retrospectively examined one-year changes in certain traditional and non-traditional cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk markers in police officers (n = 84). Subjects were full time police officers employed by a moderate-to-large municipality. METHODS: As a part of their annual physical exam, police officers underwent evaluation of several CVD risk markers including body weight, a graded exercise test (GXT; Bruce protocol), pushups completed in 1 minute, situps completed in 1 minute, handgrip strength, body composition (through DEXA), and fasting bloodwork. Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) was estimated using the Foster equation. Resting systolic blood pressure (RSBP) and resting diastolic blood pressure (RDBP) were measured before the start of the GXT protocol. Blood analysis was performed by a College of American Pathologists-accredited laboratory. All blood samples were analyzed for total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (LDL-C), glucose (GLU), LDL particle number (LDLnum), LDL size (LDLsz), small LDL particle number (sLDLnum), HDL particle number (HDLnum), and HDL size (HDLsz). All data were analyzed using paired t-tests (p < 0.05). RESULTS: With respect to the fitness testing variables measured, significant increases were noted in pushups performed (4 pushups) and handgrip strength (4.45 kg) while RDBP was significantly reduced (4 mm/Hg). Within the traditional fasting blood panel, GLU was significantly increased (5.5 mg/dL) while LDL-C was significantly reduced (8.4 mg/dL). Non-traditional CVD risk markers were also significantly altered. Increases were noted in LDLnum (309 nmol/L), sLDLnum (347 nmol/L), and HDLnum (6.6 umol/L) while reductions in LDLsz (0.53 nm) and HDLsz (0.5 nm) researched statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: While beneficial changes were noted in several traditional CVD risk markers, unfavorable alterations occurred in the majority of the non-traditional CVD risk markers measured. In addition, these findings support the need for required health and fitness programs for law enforcement personnel.