Belgian Workforce Faces High Blood Pressure Epidemic

Brussels (Brussels Morning) – IDEWE analysis shows 1 in 4 Belgian workers has high blood pressure, up 37% from 2017. Stress and lifestyle changes during the pandemic may have contributed. IDEWE urges employers to promote healthier workplaces.

One in four workers in Belgium suffers from high blood pressure. This is evident from an analysis by IDEWE, the external service for protection and prevention in the workplace. The number of employees with hypertension has increased by 37 per cent compared to 2017.

Since 2017, IDEWE medical teams have been confronted with hypertension (high blood pressure) more often. In 2022, that was almost a quarter of employees went for a medical check-up. 

What Factors Contributed to High Blood Pressure Increase?”

According to the organization, the increase is the strongest since the start of the coronavirus pandemic. While there is no direct link between COVID-19 and hypertension, the organization believes that changing circumstances during the pandemic may have played a role in the increase. For some employees, this brought stress and a different lifestyle. According to IDEWE, the figures are not fully representative of Belgium, but according to the service they have a “signal function”.

Who is Most Affected by High Blood Pressure?

Male employees more often have higher blood pressure than their female colleagues and age also plays a clear role. IDEWE noticed that 38 per cent of people over 55 suffer from high blood pressure compared to 15 per cent of 25-34-year-olds. In addition, weight is also a factor.

What Role Does Lifestyle Play in Hypertension Risk?

Lifestyle can also play an important role in risk. Too little physical activity, unusual eating habits and smoking are among other important factors. In a press release, IDEWE therefore states that employers have to contribute to a solution to the problem by promoting a healthy working environment. 

What Measures Can Combat High Blood Pressure at Work?”

“Hypertension or high blood pressure is a real health problem. It increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. It is therefore essential that employers play a more active role in promoting the health of their employees,” says Sofie Vandenbroeck, Responsible for Knowledge Information and Research at IDEWE. 

The organization recommends employers to ensure that their employees are aware of the risks of hypertension and to implement certain measures that promote a healthy diet, sufficient exercise and smoking cessation. In addition, the IDEWE encourages regular health checks.