CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH IN THE WORKPLACE: HYPERTENSION AND DYSLIPIDEMIA ARE NOT IMPACTING ONLY THE ELDERLY

In today’s fast-paced world, the combination of work-related stress, hectic schedules, bad diets and sedentary lifestyles is silently eroding cardiovascular health. Alarmingly, a growing number of younger individuals - especially those of working age - are being diagnosed with serious cardiometabolic conditions that were once predominantly associated with older adults. 

This is no longer a personal health issue but something businesses should focus on, in order to maintain a healthy, resilient, and loyal workforce. Especially because once cardiometabolic diseases reach certain stage, then it can be very hard or impossible to reverse them, and thereafter may require constant monitoring, thus regular and increased healthcare spending. Not to mention, that a chronic disease can impair productivity and increase regular work absenteism.  

Protecting your employees’ hearts today means safeguarding the “lifeblood” of your organization’s future. 

1/ Key statistics on employee cardiovascular health 

According to the Ministry of Health, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) account for approximately 200,000 deaths per year in Vietnam—33% of total fatalities. 

Data from the Vietnam National Heart Institute indicates that one in every four adults has hypertension. 

Hypertension increases the risk of stroke-related death by four times and the risk of cardiovascular-related death by three times compared to those without the condition. 

According to the EvoHealth White Paper on ASCVD in Vietnam, 49% of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) patients fall within the 15–64 age group—Vietnam’s key labor force. Among the leading causes of CVD is dyslipidemia (high blood lipid levels). 

Internal statistics from CarePlus reveal that prehypertension and hypertension were detected in 24% of employees who underwent health screenings in Q1/2025. 

2/ Cardiovascular health at work: what every employee should know 

Below are some of the most common “silent killers” in the workplace that every employee should recognize in order to take proactive steps to protect their health. 

Also known as blood lipid disorder, this condition occurs when one or more lipid indicators are imbalanced—typically high cholesterol, high triglycerides, elevated LDL-C, or low HDL-C. Dyslipidemia is a risk factor for various cardiovascular, endocrine, and metabolic diseases. 

Once considered an illness of the elderly, hypertension is now affecting younger age groups, particularly those aged 25 – 40 as well. Alarmingly, most individuals are unaware they have the condition due to a lack of noticeable symptoms in its early stages. It’s often only detected after complications like stroke or heart attack occur. 

CAD is a condition in which the coronary arteries become narrowed or blocked due to the buildup of atherosclerotic plaques. This reduces blood flow to the heart, causing symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, and, in severe cases, heart attacks.   

A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted - either due to a blockage (ischemic stroke) or bleeding (hemorrhagic stroke). It strikes suddenly and can be fatal without timely detection and intervention. Statistics show a rapid rise in stroke cases among individuals aged 40 - 45, with some cases occurring even under age 30. 

To promote awareness and provide accurate knowledge on early prevention and proactive cardiovascular care, CarePlus is providing its Health Talk service – a specialized seminar delivered directly by a team of experienced medical specialists. 

Each session is tailored to suit the unique characteristics of individual businesses, making the content more accessible and practical for daily application. 

If your company is looking to organize a Health Talk tailored to employees' needs, contact CarePlus today to register and co-create a program that delivers real impact. 

3/ Common causes of cardiovascular disease 

While genetic predisposition and pre-existing conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and metabolic disorders play a role, lifestyle-related factors in the workplace are the main contributors to cardiovascular disease. These include: 

According to the WHO, air pollution accounts for 25% of cardiovascular and stroke-related deaths and increases disease risk by 10 - 20% with regular, prolonged exposure. 

4/ Comprehensive cardiometabolic screening and disease management tools 

When heart health is directly tied to productivity and long-term organizational sustainability, proactively screening for cardiovascular risks is no longer optional - it is a strategic investment in the future. 

With years of experience supporting over 1,000 businesses annually in general health screenings and advanced diagnostic programs, CarePlus provides a comprehensive range of cardiovascular care services designed to help companies effectively manage heart disease risks within their workforce.  

These services can be flexibly integrated into corporate health screening packages for high-risk employee groups, or used independently as part of in-depth diagnostic and treatment processes for individuals requiring close monitoring. 

The case of customer James Okuley serves as a compelling testament to the practical effectiveness of the 7-day Home Blood Pressure Analysis service, combined with the CarePlus Cardio feature on the CarePlus Vietnam app. By strictly following medical guidance and continuously tracking his health at home, customer achieved a remarkable improvement in his cardiovascular indicators compared to late 2024. 

"I’m getting older, so sometimes I can be forgetful. Thanks to the app’s daily reminders to measure my blood pressure with the Omron device—and its automatic data updates-keeping track has become very convenient. More importantly, knowing that my doctor is still accompanying me through the CarePlus Cardio feature makes me feel much more reassured," the customer shared. 

This clearly demonstrates the effectiveness of CarePlus’s modern cardiovascular health management model, which combines remote monitoring technology, Singapore-standard treatment protocols, and dedicated support from the medical team. 

Proactive screening and continuous monitoring of cardiovascular and metabolic conditions not only help protect individual health but also bring tangible benefits to businesses: lowering medication and hospitalization costs, reducing the risk of complications such as stroke or heart attack, ultimately boosting productivity and minimizing absenteeism. 

 CarePlus is proud to partner with businesses in building a standardized healthcare ecosystem—where digital technology, medical expertise, and heartfelt dedication come together to safeguard the organization’s overall “operational health.” 

Employee health is one of a company’s most valuable assets. Proactively protecting workers’ cardiovascular health is a long-term investment strategy. 

✅ Below are expert recommendations from CarePlus: