Reversing the rise: How employers can combat the growing threat of heart disease

Mortality from heart disease declined in the U.S. between 1980 and 2010 due to the decrease in cigarette smoking, more effective treatment of high blood pressure and high cholesterol and better cardiology interventions for heart attacks. But heart disease is rising again. At highest risk are Black and Hispanic people, and those in poverty or with lower rates of education, regardless of race.

The best approach to cardiovascular disease is prevention, which isn't costly, since effective blood pressure and cholesterol medicines are mostly generic. However, less than half (42%) of adults who have hypertension are aware of this. Just as many of those with known hypertension have blood pressure that isn't currently under good control.

Individuals can lower their cardiovascular risk by following the American Heart Association’s Essential 8: exercise, healthy diet, tobacco-cessation, adequate sleep and control of weight, blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar.

You can take the following steps to help decrease the burden of cardiovascular disease among your employees and plan members:

1. Discourage smoking by having a smoke-free campus and offering generous smoking cessation benefits. Two-thirds of smokers (68%) want to quit, but each year only 10% are successful.
2. Encourage healthy eating by offering healthy food choices around the workplace.
3. Encourage exercise by making it easy, through on-site gyms, walking trails, and company teams and clubs. Some companies offer lifestyle spending accounts that can pay for gym memberships and fitness equipment.
4. Include generic blood pressure and cholesterol medicines on preventive medicine lists. Studies have shown greater adherence and lower rates of complications when preventive drugs aren't subject to cost sharing.
5. Hold health plans accountable by requiring reporting on blood pressure control and medication adherence as part of periodic quality reporting.

The actions you take to prevent cardiovascular disease can lead to a healthier workforce, longer and better lives for plan members and lower plan costs.

FAQ – Frequently asked questions

Why's cardiovascular disease a significant concern for employers?

Cardiovascular disease decreases the health and wellbeing of employees and leads to increased healthcare costs and lower productivity. Black and Hispanic people and those with lower socioeconomic status are disproportionately affected.

What steps can employers take to help prevent cardiovascular disease among their employees?

Employers can take several steps to help prevent cardiovascular disease, including:

• Create a smoke-free campus and offering smoking cessation benefits
• Encourage healthy eating by providing healthy food options
• Promote exercise through on-site gyms, walking trails and company fitness programs
• Include generic blood pressure and cholesterol medications on preventive medicine lists
• Hold health plans accountable for reporting on blood pressure control and medication adherence

How can preventing cardiovascular disease benefit employers?

By taking steps to prevent cardiovascular disease, employers can create a healthier workforce, improve the quality of life for their employees and reduce healthcare costs in the long run. This proactive approach can lead to lower plan costs and a more productive workforce.

Author

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Jeff Levin-Scherz, MD, MBA

Population Health Leader

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