February is American Heart Month, an important reminder that cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of U.S. adults in most demographic groups. But for those sworn to protect and serve, the risk is even greater. Law enforcement officers have higher rates of heart attacks, heart disease and hypertension than the general population — and a lower overall life expectancy because of it. This month and year-round, LAAPOA encourages all our members to be aware of these silent threats and lead a heart-healthy lifestyle, for the sake of your own well-being, your loved ones and your community.

Coronary heart disease, which occurs when your arteries can’t deliver enough oxygen-rich blood to your heart due to the buildup of fatty deposits called plaque, affects about one in 20 American adults over the age of 20. Many people may not know they have it until they experience a heart attack (a blockage of blood flow to the heart) or sudden cardiac arrest (when the heart stops beating entirely). In the U.S., someone has a heart attack every 40 seconds, nearly half of adults have high blood pressure — a leading cause of heart disease — and just one in four of those people has it under control.

Risk factors for heart disease include tobacco and alcohol use, high cholesterol and blood pressure, physical inactivity, obesity, high stress levels, irregular eating patterns and sleep deprivation. Unfortunately, some of these factors may sound all too familiar to peace officers, who routinely deal with the unpredictable schedules of shift work, long hours on the job, frequent exposure to adrenaline rushes and life-threatening traumatic events among the other physical and emotional demands of our profession. All of these can significantly impact cardiovascular health and place strain on the heart over time. Studies have shown that officers suffer heart attacks at a younger average age than the general public, and those attacks are much more likely to be fatal.

Cardiovascular disease is widespread and dangerous — but it’s also preventable. Simple actions you can take include:

• Stay active. The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week.
• Maintain a heart-healthy diet, low in salt, sugar and saturated fats.
• Manage stress effectively using techniques such as mindfulness, deep breathing exercises and peer support or professional mental health care, as well as making sure you engage in leisure activities and spend time with friends and family on your days off.
• Get sufficient and consistent sleep, at least seven hours per night whenever possible.
• Stay hydrated — but avoid excessive caffeine and energy drink consumption, which can elevate heart rate and blood pressure.
• Avoid smoking, recreational drug use and drinking alcohol excessively.
• Monitor your blood pressure and cholesterol levels by having regular health screenings to help detect early signs of heart disease.

“Peace officers dedicate our lives to protecting the public because, first and foremost, we love what we do,” says LAAPOA President Marshall McClain. “Far too often, however, we forget to show that same care and protection to ourselves. We all know cops, active and retired, who we’ve lost too soon due to sudden heart attacks and strokes. Our work is dangerous enough without those added risks. I urge all of our members to take these issues seriously, stay vigilant and do whatever you can to safeguard your health. Even small steps can make a big difference in making sure you stay well and strong so you can continue to do what you love — being there for your family and friends, and serving your community with heart.”