National Business Group on Health: A-Z Index for Health and Benefits Topics

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Cardiovascular Diseases

Why Employers Care

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States and is a major cause of disability. In 2002, almost 700,000 people in the United States died of heart disease. More than half (51%) of those deaths were in women. In total, this accounts for 29% of all U.S. deaths.¹ In 2006, heart disease is projected to cost more than $258 billion, including health care services, medications, and lost productivity.²

What is Cardiovascular Disease? The term cardiovascular disease refers to ailments of the heart (heart disease) and blood vessels (vascular disease). The various diseases that fall under the umbrella of cardiovascular disease include coronary artery disease (CAD), coronary heart disease (CHD), heart failure, high blood pressure, and stroke. The most common type of cardiovascular disease is heart disease.

Usually heart disease is caused by a narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries, the blood vessels that supply blood to the heart. This ailment — known as coronary artery disease (CAD) — is a major reason why people have heart attacks.

The vascular system includes arteries, veins and capillaries that supply blood throughout the body including to the brain, legs, and lungs. Arteries can become thick and stiff, a problem called arteriosclerosis. Blood clots can clog vessels and block blood flow to the heart or brain. Weakened blood vessels can burst, causing bleeding inside the body.

What Can Employers Do?

Employers need to understand the burden of cardiovascular disease in their employee population. This information can help the employer best leverage their health care services to meet immediate employee need. Additionally, each employee sponsored health care program (i.e., the health plan(s), pharmaceutical benefit, health maintenance programs, etc.) works independently to support employees with cardiovascular disease. These programs should be integrated to minimize duplication of services and maximize program effectiveness.

All Business Group Cardiovascular Diseases Resources/Publications

This link will take you to a chronological list of Business Group resources that are related to this topic. For additional search options please visit Publications. Most resources are available only to members of the National Business Group on Health and are designated with

Other Cardiovascular Diseases Resources

¹ CDC. Deaths: Leading Causes for 2002. National Vital Statistics Reports 2005;53(17).

² Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics—2006 Update. American Heart Association; 2005.

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