High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a widespread health concern affecting millions of employees, leading to excessive healthcare costs and reduced productivity. According to the CDC, nearly half of American adults have high blood pressure and the annual medical costs for those with the condition are up to $2500.  The condition crosses all demographics, and even children can develop it.

High blood pressure sometimes shows no obvious symptoms, can develop slowly over time, and is often misunderstood. However, it is not a condition to be taken lightly. Uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to heart attack, stroke, heart failure, aneurysms, weakened and narrow blood vessels in the eyes, kidney failure, and trouble with memory or understanding.

Adults should be aware of the signs and risk factors of high blood pressure.

For employers, offering routine home monitoring through Ochsner Digital Medicine can help. The program can help to detect high blood pressure episodes early on and prevent the long-term effects of uncontrolled blood pressure. This reduces long-term healthcare costs, absenteeism and risks of decreased productivity. The program allows members to track their blood pressure from home, which cuts down on regular office visits.

For those in the workforce who have recently been diagnosed with this condition, awareness of these factors will make it easier to effectively manage high blood pressure with intentional lifestyle changes.

What is blood pressure and when does it become risky?

Understanding what blood pressure is and when it becomes a danger is the first step towards gaining control.

In simple terms, blood pressure is the force of blood against artery walls as it circulates throughout the body. It can be easily measured by a blood pressure cuff and is divided into two numbers:

1)      Systolic pressure (the top, higher number) measures blood pressure during heartbeats.

2)     Diastolic pressure (the lower, bottom number) measures blood pressure between heartbeats.

Consistently elevated blood pressure makes the heart and blood vessels work harder to do their job, becoming less efficient. Also, the force and friction of the pressure damage the tissue inside the arteries, which leads to tiny tears. Plaque can build up in these tears, narrowing the inside of the arteries. This can lead to “blockage.”

How is High Blood Pressure Treated?

If a doctor diagnoses high blood pressure, they may prescribe medications to lower it. There are many kinds of prescription blood pressure medications and patients may need more than one type of prescription medication to effectively lower blood pressure.

But medication is just one part of the solution. Lifestyle changes can be just as effective and are often necessary to manage high blood pressure. These changes can include reducing sodium intake, incorporating regular exercise into one’s routine, losing weight, and following a DASH diet.

Even if lifestyle changes are improved, medications may still be necessary to achieve and maintain blood pressure control.

What more can your employees do to manage high blood pressure? Here are some additional steps:

1. Take medication as directed. Don’t skip doses. If side effects become a problem or the medication cost is too high, a healthcare provider can assist. They can often find a less expensive option or an alternative that won't cause the same side effects. Ochsner Digital Medicine is a remote management program that pairs each member with a licensed clinician who can, remotely, adjust medications as needed and help to support a treatment regimen. This reduces the need for in-office visits, benefitting employers and employees.
2. Regularly take blood pressure readings and keep a record. Today, there are digital blood pressure cuffs that measure blood pressure and send the data directly to the patient’s health record for their doctor to review. The Ochsner Digital Medicine program provides these devices to enrolled members, so that a team is monitoring their progress. The program helps organizations empower their employees to take control of their health.
3. Maintain a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise and a balanced diet. Digital Medicine offers a panel of expert health coaches and dietitians to help members design a healthy living plan that suits their needs. When an organization communicates the importance of overall good health of their workforce, it leads to higher employee satisfaction.

Ochsner Digital Medicine is a proven remote patient management program that supports companies in promoting a healthier workforce, ultimately benefiting the bottom line.  By offering personalized and convenient cardiometabolic care, Digital Medicine offers a 4-to-1 return on investment in hypertension healthcare savings.

‍