Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, cutting careers—and lives—short. With most employees spending around 45 years in the workforce, employers have a unique opportunity to promote heart health and create a supportive environment for prevention. While primary care physicians play a crucial role in managing heart disease, workplace initiatives can complement medical efforts by fostering healthier habits and reducing workplace risks.

Why Preventative Health Screenings Matter for Employers

Missed workdays due to preventable health issues, including heart disease, cost U.S. employers 530 billion dollars annually, according to the Integrated Benefits Institute. Employees miss about 893 million days due to illness. Absenteeism and reduced productivity from chronic conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease lead to revenue losses and operational disruptions.

By offering regular preventative health screenings, businesses can help employees detect risk factors early, leading to better health outcomes and fewer missed workdays. When employees receive screenings for conditions such as high cholesterol and hypertension, they can take proactive steps to manage their health before symptoms escalate into serious, work-disrupting conditions. This means:

Fewer missed days due to emergency medical visits or hospitalizations.
Increased productivity as employees feel healthier and more energized at work.
Lower healthcare costs for both employers and employees, as early intervention reduces the need for costly medical treatments.

Investing in workplace health screenings isn’t just about employee well-being—it’s a smart business strategy that protects productivity and reduces the financial burden of absenteeism and chronic illness.

Understanding Heart Disease Risks

Heart disease risk factors fall into two categories: modifiable and non-modifiable.

Modifiable risk factors are lifestyle and health conditions that can be changed, such as:
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Physical inactivity
- Poor nutrition
Non-modifiable risk factors include age, gender, race, ethnicity, and family history, factors beyond an individual’s control.

Employers may not be able to change these risks, but they can create a culture that encourages heart-healthy choices and minimizes exposure to workplace hazards.

Workplace Wellness Programs: Do They Work?

Unfortunately, not all workplace wellness programs are effective at changing behavior and preventing heart disease. Research suggests that while these programs are well-intended, they often fall short in driving meaningful lifestyle changes. However, employers can take proactive steps to integrate heart health into their workplace culture through simple, effective measures.

Workplace Hazards and Heart Health

Certain workplace exposures can contribute to heart disease. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) mandates medical surveillance and screening for heart-related risks associated with toxic substances such as:

Asbestos
Cadmium
Methylene chloride

Minimizing exposure to these substances can reduce cardiovascular risks for employees working in high-risk industries.

Practical Steps to Promote Heart Health at Work

Employers can foster heart-healthy habits through small but impactful workplace changes, including:

Healthy Food & Beverage Options: Stock vending machines with nutritious snacks and drinks that support heart health.
Access to Emergency Care: Equip worksites with defibrillators and ensure supervisors or safety managers are trained in CPR.
Screenings & Risk Assessments: Provide opportunities for employees to assess their heart health, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels.
Encouraging Movement: Promote physical activity through standing desks, walking meetings, or fitness challenges.
Health Education Programs: Offer workshops and resources on heart health, nutrition, and stress management.

Resources for Employers

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers valuable tools for promoting heart health in the workplace. Their guide, “How to Promote Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention in the Workplace”, provides insights on how employers can integrate heart health initiatives into their wellness programs.

Additionally, our team of occupational health experts is here to help your organization create a customized heart health strategy. From workplace screenings and risk assessments to on-site care, we provide the expertise you need to foster a healthier, more productive workforce. Contact us today to learn how we can support your heart health initiatives.

By taking proactive steps, employers can create a healthier workforce, improve productivity, and help employees enjoy long, fulfilling careers. Heart health isn’t just a personal responsibility, it’s a workplace priority.

Connect with our team of occupational health experts to learn more about our customizable services and how to increase employee health, productivity, and your bottom line.

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Give your employees access to the best so they can feel their best. With Bon Secours Mercy Health Occupational Health, your employees will receive care from one of the largest health systems in the nation, offering quick, seamless connections to all the care they’ll ever need.

Bon Secours Mercy Health is a nationally renowned health system that offers a full spectrum of health care specialists and services. Our Mission is to strengthen the health of our communities, which means keeping your employees and your bottom line as healthy as possible.