Blood Pressure Screenings

Hypertension is one of the ten most expensive conditions for U.S. employers. According to the CDC “Employees with multiple heart disease and stroke risk factors, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol, cost employers more in terms of medical care, absenteeism and lost productivity than employees with one or none of these risk factors.” Another study found the economic burden of illness was higher for hypertension, $392 per eligible employee, than nine other health conditions. The same study found individuals with hypertension miss 0.9 to 4.2 additional days of work, compared to those without chronic diseases.

In addition to being one of the most ten most expensive conditions for U.S. employers, hypertension is one of the most prevalent health conditions facing Americans. An estimated 68 million Americans, one in every three U.S. adults, have high blood pressure. Almost 30% of American adults have prehypertension, which raises the risk of developing high blood pressure, and less than half of those with high blood pressure have their condition under control.

Nearly 20% of Americans are unaware they have the disease, which is why high blood pressure is often referred to as the “silent killer”. Hypertension often presents no signs or symptoms until a serious medical event occurs, such as a stroke, heart attack or heart failure.

Early detection is key. Work place blood pressure screenings can not only reduce costs and improve productivity, they can significantly improve the lives of your employees.