One in four employees in Belgium suffers from high blood pressure, according to a study by workplace protection agency IDEWE.
The number of employees suffering from hypertension (high blood pressure) has increased by 37% since 2017, and in 2022 almost a quarter of checkups led to a hypertension diagnosis. IDEWE attributes the sharp increase to the Covid-19 pandemic, when changing circumstances and lifestyles added considerably to employee stress.
Male employees more often have higher blood pressure than their female colleagues. Age, weight and smoking habits also play defining roles. 38% of people over 55 suffer from high blood pressure compared to just 15% of 25 to 34-year-olds.
IDEWE is calling on employers to ensure that a healthy work environment is in place. "High blood pressure is a real health problem and increases the risk of cardiovascular disease," said IDEWE manager Sofie Vandenbroeck. "It is therefore essential that employers play a more active role in promoting the health of their employees."
The organisation recommends employers raise awareness about the risks of hypertension and implement certain measures that promote a healthy diet, sufficient exercise and encourage people to quit smoking. Regular health checks in the workplace are also strongly advised.
