Health and Wellbeing at Work: How to Manage Blood Pressure at Work

In this blog, we take a look at how the work place can affect your blood pressure and the steps you can take to manage it successfully :)

Normal blood pressure is vital for the proper circulation of blood from your heart to the rest of the body. Blood is pushed into the rest of the body from the heart with each heartbeat. Pressure is higher close to the heart and lower farther away. Keep reading to learn more about how to balance health and well-being at work.

Health and well-being at work refer to the physical and mental state of employees while on the job. Employers should prioritise staff health as it impacts productivity, job satisfaction, and quality of life. Demanding deadlines, long hours, and remote work increase stress and the risk of health issues, including high blood pressure.

High blood pressure, or hypertension, affects millions worldwide, where blood force against arterial walls is consistently high. This increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure. Stress hormones can increase heart rate and narrow blood vessels, causing high blood pressure. Unhealthy lifestyle habits, like a lack of exercise and poor nutrition, also contribute to high blood pressure.

Employers can implement workplace wellness programs to promote healthy behaviours and reduce stress. Providing healthy food options, fitness classes or gym memberships, and mental health support can help employees maintain their health and well-being.

What is Blood Pressure?

Blood pressure is the force exerted by the body's blood against the interior walls of blood vessels, particularly arteries. The heart pumps blood through the arteries every time it beats. Your blood pressure fluctuates throughout the course of the day. When you are sleeping, it is at its lowest point, and once you wake up and begin moving around, it rises. It may also increase when you are anxious, excited, or physically active.

What is the normal blood pressure range?

Blood pressure readings are conveyed as systolic pressure (the number that appears first) divided by diastolic pressure (the number that appears second). The verbal representation of a blood pressure reading of 120/80 mmHg is 120 over 80.

The blood pressure reading for a healthy person should be less than 120/80 mmHg. In a healthy young woman, normal blood pressure ranges from 90/60 mmHg to 120/80 mmHg (below 120 mmHg systolic as well as 80 mmHg diastolic). High blood pressure is defined as a reading of 140/90 mmHg and above.

Factors that can affect blood pressure as well as your health and well-being at work

Blood pressure can be affected by a number of factors, including:

- Age - Blood pressure generally increases as you get older.
- Genetics - Blood pressure can be influenced by your family history and genetics.
- Weight - Being overweight can increase your chance of developing blood pressure.
- Physical activity - Regular exercise plays a great role in lowering blood pressure.
- Diet - A diet high in salt, as well as saturated fat, can increase blood pressure.
- Stress - Chronic stress can also contribute to high blood pressure.
- Alcohol and tobacco use - Excessive drinking and smoking can raise your blood pressure.
- Medications - Certain medications, such as decongestants and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can raise blood pressure.
- Medical conditions - Some medical conditions, such as diabetes, kidney disease, and sleep apnea, can increase blood pressure.
- Hormonal changes - Changes in hormonal balance, such as those during pregnancy or menopause, can affect blood pressure.

How does work affect blood pressure?

Work can have an impact on blood pressure in a number of ways. However, this depends on the nature of the work and your response to it. Here are some examples:

Physical Demands

Jobs that require physical labour, such as construction or farming, can increase blood pressure during work hours due to the body's response to exertion.

Stress

Jobs that involve high levels of stress, such as those in the financial industry or emergency services, can also raise blood pressure due to the body's response to stress hormones.

Sedentary work

Office jobs or remote jobs that require long periods of sitting and little physical activity can contribute to high blood pressure over time. You can keep a diary of your blood pressure readings or store them in a health blood pressure monitor.

Work schedule

Working long hours or irregular shifts can disrupt sleep patterns and lead to higher blood pressure.

Environmental factors

Exposure to noise, air pollution, or other environmental factors in the workplace can also impact blood pressure.

Managing blood pressure for your health and well-being at work

Individual responses to work-related factors can vary. Some people may be more susceptible to changes in blood pressure due to work than others. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help combat the effects of work-related factors on blood pressure. These include regular exercise, a healthy diet, and stress management techniques.

Where can I get blood pressure monitors?

Shop online at Chemist.net for the best blood pressure monitors to regularly check your health and well-being at work.

 

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This blog post was written on behalf of Chemist.net by Pharmacy Mentor.