Investing in Healthy Hearts

Why it is vital to address hypertension in the workforce

BY ELZBIETA DZIEKONSKI

CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE (CVD) remains the leading killer of Americans. According to the CDC, one person dies from heart disease every 33 seconds. CVD accounts for $216 billion in healthcare costs annually, and by 2035 costs are projected to exceed $1 trillion. Moreover, heart disease and stroke are responsible for nearly 30% of all deaths in Delaware.

Hypertension (HTN), or high blood pressure, is one of the main risk factors for CVD, stroke, and kidney disease. Chronic health issues stemming from hypertension can severely impact an employee’s quality of life, leading to reduced physical and mental wellbeing.

Nearly half of all American adults have hypertension, including 30% of the working-age population. Approximately 30% of people with HTN are not aware that they have it, and of those who are aware, 35% are not in control. Direct medical costs are about 44% higher for workers with HTN, compared to those without HTN, approximately $3,000 more per employee per year.

HTN also can lead to reduced productivity due to fatigue, cognitive impairment, and frequent breaks. Employees suffering from hypertensionrelated complications are more likely to miss work due to illness, medical appointments, or hospitalizations. On average, an employee with cardiovascular disease costs the employer nearly 60 hours and over $1,100 more in lost productivity per year than an employee without cardiovascular disease.

What can employers do to help?

The good news is hypertension can be prevented and managed. Employers play a key role in helping reduce the prevalence and impact of HTN.

An investment in hypertension prevention and management is an investment in your business.

The CDC Foundation and National Hypertension Control Roundtable have partnered with The Greater Philadelphia Business Coalition on Health (GPBCH) and FTI Consulting’s Center for Healthcare Economics and Policy to develop tools to help employers address the significant health and economic costs associated with HTN within the workforce. FTI developed a Budget Impact Model to help employers estimate the impact of HTN on their population and costs, and a Claims Analysis Guide for employers who have access and want to dig into their own claims data. GPBCH developed a Comprehensive Benefit Guide related to HTN prevention and management. Key recommendations include:

• Establish workplace wellness programs that promote healthy lifestyles

• Offer on-site blood pressure screenings

• Encourage all employees to establish a relationship with a primary care provider

• Offer education on the importance of maintaining a healthy blood pressure

• Review benefit design to ensure that self-measurement blood pressure cuffs are a covered benefit; and that HTN drugs are available at little or no out-of-pocket cost

Elzbieta Dziekonski is the director of population health initiatives at the Greater Philadelphia Business Coalition on Health, which serves employers in southeastern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey, and Delaware. In addition, GPBCH is currently working with the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services to advance cardiovascular health in Delaware, with an emphasis on underserved communities. For more information on how to get involved or develop your CVD/HTN strategy, contact edziekonski@gpbch.org.