Dr. Zach Zeigler

Wildland firefighters often traverse rigorous terrain, hike long distances, breathe in smoke, and don’t eat or sleep well, among other stresses. They also are at risk of heart attacks. One study found that the risk for acute myocardial infarction during active fire suppression increased anywhere from 12 to 136 fold. It’s why a group of researchers, including GCU’s Dr. Zach Zeigler and students-now-alumni Payton Greer and Laura Verduzco, conducted a study to look at the effects of wildland firefighting on cardiovascular health.