Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) Hypertension & Coronary Artery Disease

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Law enforcement officers (LEOs) with cardiovascular disease (CVD) are at increased risk for sudden incapacitation, which can compromise their ability to perform critical job functions. Therefore, individualized assessments are necessary to ensure safe job performance. The medical evaluation of LEOs with CVD should be conducted by someone familiar with the physiological demands of their job and the management of CVD. <br /><br />CVD includes several distinct medical conditions, and the evaluation criteria will vary depending on the specific condition. For example, hypertension is a common CVD that should be monitored annually, and LEOs with hypertension should also be screened for other risk factors and end-organ damage. The severity of hypertension determines the work restrictions and frequency of monitoring. Stage I hypertension does not require restrictions, while Stage II and III hypertension may warrant restrictions until blood pressure is reduced. <br /><br />Coronary artery disease (CAD) is another CVD that should be assessed annually. LEOs with no known CAD should be evaluated to determine their 2-year or 10-year risks of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), and those at intermediate or high risk should undergo a symptom-limiting exercise stress test. LEOs with known CAD, such as stable or unstable angina, should be provided with work restrictions and referred for further evaluation and treatment. <br /><br />Other CVDs, such as coronary artery spasm, coronary artery dissection, and coronary vasculitis, also require restrictions and further evaluation. The guidelines provide specific criteria for each condition. <br /><br />These evaluations and criteria are based on guidelines from professional organizations such as the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology. Regular monitoring and collaboration with treating physicians are essential for managing CVD in LEOs and ensuring their safety on the job.

Keywords

Law enforcement officers

cardiovascular disease

sudden incapacitation

job functions

individualized assessments

hypertension

work restrictions

coronary artery disease

atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease

guidelines