Prevalence of Prehypertension and Hypertension Among Emergency Responders in Chesapeake,VA

Approximately three-quarters of emergency responders have prehypertension or hypertension. Currently, elevated blood pressure is inefficiently controlled among emergency responders. Since 1998, the CDC has funded state health departments' efforts to reduce the number of individuals suffering from heart disease or stroke. The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence of prehypertension and hypertension among the fire, police, and sheriff departments in the city of Chesapeake, VA. This study involves collaborating with the Occupational Health Clinic of Chesapeake, to collect and analyze data pertaining to the hypertension prevalence among this group. According to the CDC approximately 31% of adults in the United States have an elevated blood pressure. We hypothesize that at least 50% of the emergency responders are prehypertensive or hypertensive, that 80% of all emergency responders diagnosed with the disease has received some form of intervention through the clinic, and at least 80% of the emergency responders with a past medical history of hypertension will have their condition controlled at the most recent visit. The study population consists of 1533 active emergency responders in the City of Chesapeake. A total sample size was chosen of 291 and rounded up to 300. A sample of 93 firefighters, 84 Sheriffs, and 126 police officers will be selected for this study. Data will be obtained by conducting a retrospective cohort study at the clinic.