As World Heart Day approaches on September 29, International SOS is urging organizations worldwide to implement proactive measures to safeguard their workforce against cardiovascular disease (CVD). According to the World Health Organization (WHO), CVD remains the leading cause of mortality and disability globally, accounting for 17.9 million deaths each year, primarily due to heart attacks and strokes. With more than half a billion people affected worldwide, organizations have a critical responsibility to prioritize heart health and implement strategies that promote overall well-being among employees.

From 2021 to 2023, International SOS witnessed a dramatic rise in requests for assistance related to cardiovascular health issues. The number of cases increased by an alarming 34.5% from 2021 to 2022, followed by an additional 18% increase from 2022 to 2023. This significant uptick highlights the urgent need for comprehensive cardiovascular health support and proactive health interventions. Alarmingly, 86% of these heart-related cases occurred within the male population during this period, further underscoring the importance of targeted health strategies and preventive measures.

The risk of developing CVD hinges on various factors, including controllable elements such as lifestyle choices, tobacco use, and excessive alcohol consumption, along with uncontrollable factors like genetics, gender, and race. Additionally, underlying medical conditions such as diabetes and obesity can further elevate the risk of heart disease, making it imperative for organizations to take a holistic approach to employee health.

Dr. Vikram Vora, Medical Director for the Indian Subcontinent at International SOS, emphasized the impact of the modern work environment on cardiovascular health. He pointed out that living in a volatile, complex, and ambiguous global environment can significantly affect human health and well-being. This impact is becoming increasingly evident in today’s workplaces, where stress, long working hours, and sedentary lifestyles are contributing to unfavorable cardiovascular outcomes. According to Dr. Vora, every organization has a Duty of Care to provide a work environment that promotes employee health, which can play a critical role in preventing cardiovascular disease. He further noted that World Heart Day should serve as more than just a reminder—it should be a wake-up call to take action.

Beyond the immense human toll, heart disease also poses a substantial financial burden on employers. Rising costs for health interventions and insurance premiums, coupled with indirect costs such as absenteeism and presenteeism, are making CVD a significant economic challenge for businesses worldwide.

To mitigate these risks, International SOS recommends organizations adopt comprehensive health and wellness programs that include regular health screenings, fitness initiatives, and educational workshops on heart health. Implementing these measures can help employees maintain better heart health, reducing the incidence of heart disease and stroke, lowering healthcare costs, and ultimately improving productivity. In the long term, investing in employee health fosters a more sustainable and productive workforce.

Creating a heart-healthy work environment requires cultivating a culture that prioritizes health and well-being. Organizations can encourage employees to take breaks, stay hydrated, and seek medical advice when needed. By offering regular health screenings to monitor blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and other cardiovascular risk factors, early detection and timely management of these elements can prevent more severe health conditions from arising. Providing access to nutritious food options in the workplace and educating employees on the importance of a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can further contribute to reducing heart disease risk.

Regular physical activity is another cornerstone of cardiovascular health. Promoting exercise through workplace wellness programs and facilities can have a positive impact on heart health. Additionally, introducing stress management programs and providing resources to help employees cope with stress—a significant risk factor for CVD—can create a healthier work environment.

Education and awareness campaigns can further empower employees to take control of their heart health. By organizing workshops and awareness sessions on cardiovascular health, companies can help individuals understand the importance of maintaining a healthy heart and adopting preventive measures. Since tobacco use and exposure to second-hand smoke contribute to approximately 17% of all CVD deaths globally, offering support for employees seeking to quit smoking, including counseling and cessation programs, can significantly reduce cardiovascular risk.

As part of its commitment to promoting heart health, International SOS will host a webinar titled “Building Heart-Healthy Work Environments” on September 26, 2024. The session will feature expert insights on CVD prevention strategies and response plans to reduce cardiovascular risk within organizations.

With World Heart Day on the horizon, now is the time for organizations to take meaningful action and invest in the heart health of their workforce. Proactively addressing cardiovascular health is not just a matter of individual well-being—it’s a critical investment in the long-term health and productivity of the entire organization.