Are you aware of hypertension or high blood pressure (BP) disease? Many people all around the world suffer from high blood pressure, but they are unaware of their problem. People sometimes overlook high blood pressure, although it can lead to a variety of serious conditions. Many take it lightly, yet high blood pressure can lead to many other serious illnesses and harm the heart, kidneys, and brain without causing any noticeable symptoms at first. To commemorate World Hypertension Day of 2022 which falls on May 17, here is how your company can address hypertension-related issues and offer the right wellness plans accordingly.

Understanding Hypertension

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), blood pressure is the force exerted by flowing blood on the walls of the body’s arteries, the major blood vessels; hypertension is when blood pressure is too high. Blood pressure is represented by two digits. The first (systolic) value reflects blood vessel pressure when the heart contracts or beats. The second (diastolic) number indicates the pressure in the arteries between heartbeats. Hypertension is diagnosed when the systolic blood pressure measurements on two distinct days are 140 mmHg and/or the diastolic blood pressure readings on both days are 90 mmHg. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the major cause of death in the Americas, with high blood pressure accounting for more than half of all CVD cases. 

Causes and Symptoms of Hypertension

Unhealthy diets, such as excessive salt consumption, a diet heavy in saturated fat and trans fats, a poor intake of fruits and vegetables, physical inactivity, cigarette and alcohol usage, and being overweight or obese, are major risk factors that can actually be moderated or anticipated in prior. Additionally, a family history of hypertension, age over 65, and co-existing disorders such as diabetes or renal disease are non-modifiable risk factors. The symptoms of high blood pressure are rather unnoticeable, which makes it very dangerous, as it can already get severe once recognized. Early morning headaches, nosebleeds, abnormal heart rhythms, visual abnormalities, and ear buzzing are some of the symptoms that might arise. Fatigue, nausea, vomiting, disorientation, anxiety, chest discomfort, and muscle tremors are all symptoms of severe hypertension.

Read Also: How Social Dialogue Enhances Safety and Health at Work 

Hypertension among Workers

High blood pressure is known as the “silent killer” for a reason. Most of the time, there are no obvious indicators of hypertension, and even if you do notice certain symptoms, you may dismiss them as normal fatigue, work pressure, or activity. It is not a secret that being overly busy can easily make hypertension symptoms slip away from your sight. On top of that, not having time to do meal preparation to ensure healthy food, doing exercise, and resting properly. This is why preventing hypertension is very important and actually, the ways to do it are not really that difficult.

Here are some tips you can personally do daily to keep yourself away from the risk of hypertension:

• Moderate or avoid altogether both your alcohol and nicotine intake
• Keep your body mass index between 18.5 and 24.9, which is a range of healthy physical scale, by doing 30 minutes of physical exercise on a daily basis
• Keep a healthy diet by eating vegetables and fruits, and avoid foods that are high in sodium

Measuring Blood Pressure Accurately

It is critical to accurately measure your blood pressure in order to determine if you have hypertension. If you have not had your blood pressure taken, go to a primary health care center in your area to get an accurate measurement. Automated blood pressure measurement may offer precise results, and healthcare providers generally have this available. If you have hypertension (blood pressure more than 140/90 mmHg), you should consult a doctor.

As an employer, you can have a blood pressure monitor ready at the office. Not only that, you also need to make sure that employees’ blood pressure is frequently measured by conducting monthly health check-ups at the office. Doing this measurement, as the earliest stage before going to a healthcare provider, is actually doable without having a medical practitioner doing it. Here are the steps:

• Blood pressure should be monitored in a relaxed condition. This implies that when you go to check on your employees, they should be both psychologically and physically comfortable.
• Ensure that blood pressure is not tested shortly after any physical activity, and that your employees have not consumed a large meal, coffee/tea, or smoked in the previous 15-30 minutes.
• Employees should ideally sit with their backs supported. Their arms should be supported while remaining horizontal. The blood pressure monitor should be placed at the level of their heart. They should not move their limb or speak during the measurement.
• It is best to take two readings at least 1-2 minutes apart and then average the two.

Aside from encouraging your employees to practice healthy habits that can reduce the risk of hypertension, you should also provide wellness initiatives to combat this. It is always better safe than sorry, so taking precautions against the risk of hypertension should start with being aware of it.

Read Also: How Companies Can Support Pregnant Employees