What is the Impact of High Blood Pressure on Workplace Health?
High blood pressure is associated with around half of all strokes and heart attacks in the UK, and has strong links with cardiovascular disease (also described as heart disease), the umbrella name for a group of linked conditions that affect heart and blood vessels.
Commonly known as ‘hypertension’ within medical circles, high blood pressure is a major risk factor for stroke related to damaged blood vessels, and blockages or ruptures in the brain. High blood pressure is a serious condition and if not detected and treated early, it can lead to premature death within your workforce.
In the UK, there is a hospital admission every five minutes as a result of a heart attack. Whilst workplace health checks can help detect blood pressure risk factors preceding a heart attack, they are also useful for monitoring the health and wellbeing of heart attack survivors in the workforce. Currently, 1.4 million people living in the UK are estimated to have survived that experience.
Although high blood pressure can prove fatal, some employees may experience non-fatal, yet serious symptoms including headaches, chest pain and blurred vision – although these symptoms are rare. If not identified, high blood pressure will lead to additional strain on an employee’s blood vessels and organs including kidneys, eyes and brain.
If left untreated, there is a higher risk of an affected employee developing serious conditions related to high blood pressure, including cardiovascular disease, heart attack, heart failure, stroke and kidney disease. There can also be an increased risk of developing vascular dementia – although this is rare in employees who are under 65 years old.
Ultimately, high blood pressure can have a serious impact on workplace health.
Is Low Blood Pressure also a Problem for Employees?
Known as hypotension, low blood pressure can be identified from a test that results in a reading lower than 90/60. Symptoms include fainting, dizziness, light headedness, blurred vision, confusion, nausea and a general feeling of ‘weakness’ – although some employees may not display any symptoms at all.
A low blood pressure reading from a workplace blood pressure testing programme can indicate underlying health problems present in an employee that will need to be followed-up and discussed with a pharmacist, nurse or other clinician.
If left unchecked, low blood pressure can cause a number of problems for employees.
What are the Benefits of Workplace Blood Pressure Testing?
Hypertension (high blood pressure), hypotension (low blood pressure), and related conditions can contribute to workforce absenteeism. The impact of losing staff due to issues relating to blood pressure can affect a business in multiple ways, including the direct loss of their workplace productivity, and increased stress and pressure on any staff members asked to cover the work of those absent.
Losing a valued member of staff due to ill health which could have been prevented or managed more effectively with early detection, can lead to higher costs from providing additional cover for their role, including overtime pay, temporary agency cover, and recruitment costs related to replacing other staff who might leave due to discontentment at taking on extra work due to absence in the workplace.
The main benefit of a programme of workplace blood pressure testing is that you can be confident that with early detection, early treatment and condition management is possible, reducing the risk of developing the more serious effects that can arise from a high or low blood pressure.
A Summary of Workplace Blood Pressure Testing Benefits
- Early detection and preventative care from healthy living guidance and medication.
- Reduced absence rate as blood pressure-related conditions are more effectively managed.
- Improved productivity due to reduced symptoms related to blood pressure conditions.
- Increased workforce health and wellbeing from promoting awareness of health matters.
- Enhanced reputation as your business demonstrates an investment in workforce health.
What are the Options for Workplace Blood Pressure Testing?
Whether you are interested in exploring options for introducing a new blood pressure testing programme in your workplace, or reviewing an existing programme, there are several options available.
In recent years’, February has been designated ‘Heart Month’, which makes it a great month to plan a heart health and wellbeing awareness campaign within the workplace. As high blood pressure has a significant link to heart disease, and it’s estimated that around five million people in the UK currently live with heart disease, this guide will now visit the most popular options for workplace blood pressure testing.
Blood Pressure Health Monitoring Options in the Workplace
- Digital blood pressure monitor: Having a digital workplace blood pressure monitor is a quick and simple way for members of the workforce receive a reading.
- Manual blood pressure monitor: This includes both automated and manual cuffs accompanied with a stethoscope – a more traditional way for qualified practitioners to measure blood pressure in the workplace.
- Corporate health checkup: Blood pressure checks can take place as a part of a staff health checkup. For organisations who don’t have a full occupational health clinic on-site, and would like the benefits of a health check clinic for their workforce, a mobile health check service is a cost effective and practical option.
It’s recommended blood pressure checks are administered by a qualified practitioner who can ensure the test is conducted accurately and provide any guidance related to adverse or unexpected results.
Introducing Workplace Blood Pressure Testing
If you are considering introducing a blood pressure testing programme into your workplace as part of a corporate health checkup, here are some practical implementation tips.
- Start by conducting a workplace health survey to help provide an insight into what would encourage employees to attend a workplace health check. Is a free, confidential, on-site blood pressure testing service with the opportunity to speak to a healthcare professional likely to boost participation?
- Use information resources like this guide to share with decision-makers who need convincing of the benefits to your organisation.
- For those interested in sourcing an external provider for on-site health checks, compare a checklist of benefits. If you have multiple sites across the UK, do they offer nationwide coverage? Is there a minimum requirement for the number of checks? Is the pricing acceptable?
Once you have worked through the above process and found a suitable provider, you will be ready to implement your new workplace blood pressure testing programme.
Ready to Get Started? Book your Workplace Blood Pressure Testing with HealthClinic2You
As specialists in employee health checks, your organisation can benefit from a range of on-site health checks designed to meet the needs of your workforce. From the Basic Health Check which addresses two key health indicators – blood pressure and BMI (Body Mass Index), to the Premier Health Profile which tests 44 health indicators to evaluate long-term health risks, you can ensure the needs of your workforce are catered to.
Although individual employee results are confidential, each corporate client receives an anonymised company health report with key workforce health data to help support your workplace wellness goals.
Do you have a workforce which requires a very particular type of health check? No problem, the team at HealthClinic2You will find the right Health Check Profile for you, compiled from the A-Z of Health Markers and tailored to the requirements of your workforce.
On the day, a HealthClinic2You clinician can see up to 25 people per booking with each employee receiving immediate results and a personalised health report. If you need more, multiple bookings can be arranged, and the team will be happy to coordinate the schedule with you.
View the step-by-step guide to booking or submit your workplace blood pressure testing booking enquiry online. Once your booking is confirmed, the team will send you supporting information in preparation for the on-site health check.
Alternatively, call the team on 020 3411 5565 to discuss your requirements with a Client Manager.
Frequently Asked Questions about Workplace Blood Pressure Testing
Here are some common questions and answers about workplace blood pressure testing, provided by HealthClinic2You.
What is considered high blood pressure?
When administered by a healthcare professional, a blood pressure reading of 140/90 or higher is considered to be ‘high’.
What is considered low blood pressure?
A blood pressure reading below 90/60 is generally considered ‘low’.
Who will conduct blood pressure testing at my workplace?
All health checks administered by HealthClinic2You are conducted by a qualified clinician.
What happens if the clinician detects an issue during the health check?
Blood pressure testing is completed as part of a Basic Health Check or other Health Check that includes a blood pressure test. If any issues are detected during the check, the clinician will guide the employee on how to obtain a further evaluation, and share guidance on the treatment options and available resources to help manage their health condition.
