How to Lower High Blood Pressure Risks in the Workplace

And, because doctor visits for high blood pressure-related maladies top 44 million a year, our Safety Training Tips editor says that it makes good health and business sense to educate your workers about the dangers of hypertension—and about how they can take the pressure off.

High blood pressure is called “the silent killer” because people who have it rarely show any signs of disease. Sometimes it will cause frequent headaches or nosebleeds, but usually there will be no symptoms at all. So let your workers know that the risk factors for having high blood pressure include:

• A family history of high blood pressure
• African-American ancestry
• Diabetes
• Being overweight
• Smoking

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Again, reiterate to workers that even if they don’t have any of these risk factors, there is still a chance they could have high blood pressure. Encourage them to have their blood pressure checked often.

Untreated high blood pressure can cause damage to several areas of the human body. This includes:

• The brain— Arteries can rupture, causing stroke or death.
• The kidneys—Kidneys clean the blood.  If blood flow to the kidneys is reduced, impurities in the blood can build up in the body and damage other organs.
• The eyes—Damage to the arteries in the eyes can lead to blindness.
• The heart—High blood pressure is a constant strain on the heart and can result in a heart attack.
• The arteries—Pressure on the artery walls can cause them to thicken in what is called “hardening of the arteries” or arteriosclerosis.

Even with effective education, some of your workers may develop high blood pressure. Encourage them to consult with their physician on the many ways they can take the pressure off and better manage their health. Here are some options:

• Reduce sodium intake. Sodium, found in table salt and many processed foods including canned soups, increases blood pressure, so read all food labels and put down that salt shaker!
• Maintain a healthy weight. People 20 percent or more over their ideal weight have a greater risk of developing high blood pressure. Sometimes, weight loss alone will bring blood pressure back to normal.
• Exercise. Regular exercise reduces blood pressure and helps in weight loss. Walking for 20 minutes 3 or 4 times a week is a good practice.
• Avoid stress. Prolonged stress constricts the blood vessels and makes the heart work harder. Use relaxation techniques to reduce stress.
• Don’t use alcohol to relax because it can cause high blood pressure or make it harder to control.
• Stop smoking. Not only will it help prevent high blood pressure, but other diseases as well. Smoking and high blood pressure are a dangerous combination.

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Keep employees informed about health issues, such as high blood pressure, which can be controlled if it is checked regularly, so they can lead healthier and more productive lives at work and at home.

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Why It Matters…

• In one recent year, high blood pressure was the primary or contributing cause in more than 315,000 deaths in the United States.
• Estimates are that high blood pressure and its related health problems will cost the U. S. economy almost $75 billion this year.
• More than one quarter of U.S. adults have prehypertension.

 

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