Need a policy because of a recent regulatory change? We’ve got it for you. Need some quick training on a specific HR topic? We’ve got it for you. HR Insider provides the resources you need to craft, implement and monitor policies with confidence. Our team of experts (which includes lawyers, analysts and HR professionals) keep track of complex legislation, pending changes, new interpretations and evolving case law to provide you with the policies and procedures to keep you ahead of problems. FIND OUT MORE...
Wellness – Taking Care of Your Blood Pressure Stats and Facts

FACTS

  1. Uncontrolled Hypertension: High blood pressure often has no symptoms but can lead to serious health issues like heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure. ​
  2. Lack of Awareness: Many individuals are unaware they have high blood pressure, delaying necessary treatment and increasing health risks. ​
  3. Poor Dietary Habits: Diets high in sodium and low in nutrients like potassium can elevate blood pressure levels. ​
  4. Physical Inactivity: A sedentary lifestyle contributes to weight gain and increased blood pressure. ​
  5. Excessive Alcohol Consumption: Drinking too much alcohol can raise blood pressure and reduce the effectiveness of medications. ​
  6. Smoking: Tobacco use damages blood vessels and accelerates the hardening of arteries, leading to higher blood pressure. ​
  7. Chronic Stress: Long-term stress may contribute to high blood pressure and unhealthy coping mechanisms like overeating or smoking.

STATS

  • About one in three Americans has high blood pressure, and another third have prehypertension. Each year, 410,000 deaths are related to hypertension, costing the country nearly $47 billion in health care, medication, and missed work.
  • Lowering blood pressure reduces the likelihood of heart attack, heart failure, stroke, and death by 30–40%. It also decreases the risk of memory loss and dementia by almost 20%.
  • A study involving nearly 34,000 adults found that intensive blood pressure management, including medication and lifestyle coaching, led to a 15% reduction in dementia risk and a 16% decrease in cognitive problems.
  • Statistics Canada’s 2021 Canadian Community Health Survey found that 17.7% of adults aged 20–79 had diagnosed high blood pressure, with higher prevalence in lower-income groups (+6.1 percentage points vs. highest income).
  • Health Canada’s 2022 report stated that 62% of Canadian adults exceeded recommended sodium intake, a key contributor to hypertension.
  • The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) reported in 2023 that workplaces offering blood pressure screenings reduced employee cardiovascular risk by up to 12%.