Facts About Heart Disease and Prevention

Heart disease and stroke are leading causes of death and disability, and they can raise the cost of doing business. By investing in workplace health measures and strategies, employers can help reduce the cost of these conditions.

• Heart disease and stroke account for one death every 34 seconds. In 2005, the cost of heart disease and stroke in the United States was estimated at $393.5 billion, with increases only expected to continue as the baby boomer generation continues to age.
• Comprehensive worksite health programs focused on lifestyle behavior change have been shown to yield a $3 to $6 return on investment for each dollar invested. It takes between two and five years after the initial program investment to realize these savings.
• A comprehensive health promotion program that includes sustained individual risk reduction counseling for employees as well as lower-cost policy and environmental interventions is the most effective approach to support healthy lifestyles and prevent heart disease and stroke.
• There is strength in numbers. Studying successful programs of other employers can provide a blueprint to get started. Partnering with state and local prevention organizations can also provide a wealth of information and free resources to get started on the road to a healthier workplace.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cdc.gov/dhdsp/pubs/docs/six_step_guide.pdf