Transparency is extremely important to us, so we are letting you know that we may receive a commission on some of links you click on from this page. See our disclaimer.

We have reported previously on the importance for a well-run wellness program to focus on heart disease:

• Data points to wellness success against heart disease
• Women's heart health: ‘Single biggest health threat women face'
• How business can create ‘heart-healthy' environments for employees

Now a new report from Gallup adds another reason: “Workers With Heart Problems Report More On-the-Job Anxiety.”

The piece states: “More than four in 10 U.S. workers diagnosed with heart problems have trouble concentrating at work due to physical challenges, a significantly higher rate than among workers without heart problems. Those whose heart problems were diagnosed more than a year ago are also more likely than their peers both with and without heart problems to report struggling with depression or anxiety on the job.”

And there's a connection between heart disease and well-being, according to the report:

“When looking at all Americans, those who have been diagnosed with heart problems lag behind those who have not been diagnosed in two of the key elements of well-being.”

• “Sixteen percent of those diagnosed with heart problems in the last 12 months and 18% of those diagnosed earlier qualify as “thriving” in physical well-being, compared with 32% of those with no history of heart problems.”
• “Thirty-four percent of those with recently diagnosed heart problems and 36% of those diagnosed earlier are thriving in purpose well-being, compared with 44% of those with no heart problems.”

And the conclusion goes to the center of the connection between a well-run workplace wellness program and helping employees with heart conditions: “Patients with heart disease can benefit from a treatment approach that not only focuses on improving diet and exercise habits but also on using their strengths at work, having strong social support and being connected to their communities. The advantages of a holistic approach to improving well-being extend beyond the patient: Research shows that as well-being increases, workplace productivity and performanceincrease while chronic disease burden and healthcare costs decrease.”