Albany Firefighters Featured in National Heart Study

It's a first of its kind study in the nation and it's happening in Albany. It's part of an effort to improve the health and wellness of firefighters by determining what job related factors lead to heart disease. one by one, Albany firefighters are having blood tests, and vascular tests, getting heart scans and body mass measurements.

Once the results are compiled, researchers at Skidmore College expect to issue a final report in a year.

Almost a year ago, Albany Firefighter Ted Abriel died from a heart attack while fighting a fire. Since that time the department has launced a health and wellness program that urges firefighters to cook healthy and exercise.

According to Local 2007 Union President, Sam Fresina, 115 firefighters nationwide died in the line of duty last year. Fresina says, 50 percent of those deaths were cardiac related.