As the top cause of death in the US, almost 1 in 3 lives lost each year are due to heart disease. Heart disease and other cardiovascular disease (CVD) conditions account for 1 in every 6 healthcare dollars spent in the US.
Although we know more about how to treat CVD, healthcare spending for these conditions continues to rise. For instance, direct costs due to CVD diagnosis and treatment increased from 104 billion in 1997 to 216 billion in 2017.
The American Heart Association (AHA) predicts that the percentage and total numbers of those with CVD will continue to rise in the US. “By 2035, nearly half will have some form of CVD.” This may seem hard to believe, but consider that by 2015, 42% of the US population already had a CVD condition. These specific conditions include hypertension, coronary heart disease, stroke, congestive heart failure, and atrial fibrillation.
The AHA estimates that compared to CVD-free employees, those with CVD lose 56 more hours of productivity. This can have serious organizational impacts.
Indirect costs have a large range depending on the specific CVD conditions and whether the research is stratifying by age. (This is important because the costs rise dramatically over age 65, while most working-age Americans are under 65).
One study identified direct and indirect costs for privately-insured adults under age 65 in the US. They found that indirect costs (based on absenteeism and disability claims) related to atrial fibrillation were $2134 higher annually than for employees without atrial fibrillation. Although this number is frequently cited, the data on which it is based is already over 20 years old! Cost estimates are therefore likely to be much higher today.
Risk factors for cardiovascular disease are well known. The good news is that many of them are modifiable. When lifestyle modifications are adopted, it can reduce odds of cardiovascular disease by 80%!
The top risk factors for CVD include a sedentary lifestyle and a diet that lacks nutrients and fiber. This suggests that employee wellness can benefit from programs that emphasize improved daily habits, especially those that address exercise and eating choices. Also high on that list of risk factors is smoking, so tobacco cessation programs also have high potential for lowering CVD risk.
One of the overlooked risk factors that links to exercise, diet, and tobacco use is stress. Our perception of stress is an independent risk factor for CVD. Stress also increases problematic behaviors, like binge eating and substance use disorders. Programs that help employees better cope with stress demonstrate cost savings because of lower medical utilization, lower medical insurance claims, and higher productivity.
Comprehensive wellness programs can help employees discovery a healthier lifestyle. Treo fills this role and is highly adaptable to diverse employers. We connect employees to their health benefits through convenient links and provide pro-active tools that empower healthier habits. In addition to evidence-based content, habit tracking, and options to connect with certified Wellness Coaches, Treo focuses on building resilience to help employees deal with stress. Specific risk factors for CVD are also addressed directly. Treo has health goals for better blood pressure or improved blood sugar. Ready to learn more? Let’s connect to find how Treo can be part of your comprehensive solution.
As Treo’s Global Wellness Researcher, Karlie uses recent research findings to support healthier daily habits. Karlie earned her doctorate in Neuroscience and Behavior and bachelors in Health and Exercise Science.
© 2024 Treo Wellness.
