What You Should Know:
– A new analysis of U.S. heart health trends reveals a concerning statistic: 31% of the workforce and their families suffer from a cardiac disorder or hypertension, a major risk factor for heart disease, according to Cedar Gate Technologies.
– The analysis, based on Cedar Gate’s National Healthcare Benchmark Database, examined claims data from July 2022 to June 2023, representing approximately 15 million commercially insured individuals. The analysis underscores the urgent need for employers, payers, and providers to prioritize cardiovascular health in the workplace.
The Impact of Cardiovascular Disease
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in the United States, accounting for nearly 20% of annual deaths. The economic burden of CVD is also staggering, with an estimated annual cost of $252 billion, including healthcare expenses, medications, and lost productivity.
Addressing Heart Health in the Workplace
Cedar Gate’s findings highlight the need for employers and healthcare providers to prioritize cardiovascular health in the workplace. This can be achieved through:
- Increased awareness and education: Educating employees about heart disease risk factors and prevention strategies.
- Improved access to care: Providing access to preventive screenings and early intervention programs.
- Health and wellness programs: Implementing workplace wellness initiatives that promote healthy lifestyles.
- Data-driven interventions: Utilizing data and analytics to identify high-risk individuals and tailor interventions accordingly.
Cedar Gate’s National Benchmark Database
Cedar Gate’s National Benchmark database provides valuable insights into population health trends, allowing healthcare stakeholders to identify opportunities for improvement and cost reduction. The data is anonymized and de-identified to protect patient privacy.
“By leveraging advanced analytics and prioritizing value-based care, we can identify individuals at high cardiovascular risk and match them with top-performing providers. This, coupled with the implementation of effective cost-saving strategies can drive improved health outcomes,” said Dr. Hernandez. “These insights are critical to the success of our cardiac centers of excellence, which emphasize proactive cardiovascular health management to enhance patient care and reduce healthcare costs. This represents a win-win for patients, providers, and payers.”