This month, educate your workforce on the importance of heart health and the most common signs and symptoms of heart disease and heart attacks. A healthy workforce is a population less likely to sustain injury on the job. A healthier workforce also decreases healthcare and worker's compensation costs.
More than 62 million American adults are estimated to have one or more types of cardiovascular disease, that's more than 1 in 3. On average 2,200 Americans die of cardiovascular disease each day, an average of 1 death every 39 seconds. It is estimated that the costs associated with treating heart disease in the United States will triple by 2030. This month, create a heart friendly workplace by sharing some of the following helpful hints and tools.
Stress and Cardiovascular Health
While studies have not proven that stress is a primary factor in elevated blood pressure, studies have shown that chronic stress (habitual, constant stress) weakens the body's ability to heal. When we are stressed, our bodies release the stress hormones, adrenaline and corisol. These hormones prepare our bodies for a "fight or flight response." They constrict blood vessels, increase heart rate and temporarily increase blood pressure. Over time, these reactions can weaken the entire cardiovascular system. Learn to decrease chronic stress by changing your expectations, recognizing what you have control over and what you don't have control over, take care of your mood and practice gratitude and joy daily. Focusing on the positive will help improve your mood and stress level.
Women and Heart Disease
Researchers have only just begun to reveal women's unique signs and symptoms of heart disease. In women, some of the most commonly known symptoms are absent. Instead women may experience warning signs that mimic other health problems, making it difficult to recognize heart disease in its early stages. According to the American Heart Association, 90% of women have one or more risk factors for heart disease. Heart disease is the number 1 killer of women over 20 years old. More women die of heart disease than the next four causes combined, including all forms of cancer. Encourage the women in your life to know as much as possible about the signs and symptoms of cardiac disease.
Lifestyle Changes
If you know your ABC's or can count to seven, you can make a significant positive changes on your personal cardiovascular health.
Follow these ABC's to a healthier heart:
Avoid tobacco, Become more active and Choose good nutrition
or you can go a step further by following these 7 simple steps to better cardiovascular health:
- Get Active
- Eat Better
- Lose Weight
- Stop Smoking
- Control Cholesterol
- Manage Blood Pressure
- Reduce Blood Sugar
Your workplace may want to start a walking program. You can also encourage employees to use tools such as the American Heart Association's My Life Check online tool or take a Heart Attack Risk Assessment.
Warning Signs
Heart Attack:
- Chest discomfort
- Discomfort in other areas of the upper body
- Shortness of breath
- May include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or light headedness
Stroke:
- Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
- Confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
- Trouble seeing in one or both eyes
- Trouble walking, dizziness or loss of balance or coordination
- or a severe headache with no cause
Cardiac Arrest:
- Sudden loss of responsiveness (No response to tapping of shoulders)
- No normal breathing (Victim does not take a normal breath when you tilt the head up and check for at least five seconds)
For more about warning signs of heart attack, stroke and cardiac address, visit the American Heart Association's 9-1-1 Warning Signs page.