Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) Prevention in the Energy Industry

Introduction
National Grid employs 26,000 workers in the supply of gas and electricity in the UK & US. In 2008 the company introduced a 5 year health and wellbeing strategy with a specific focus on cardiovascular disease risk and prevention.

Methods
Working in conjunction with occupational health a health and wellbeing specialist was appointed in 2008. A strategy was developed to include data collection, reporting, engagement and intervention. Included were;

? Individual CVD risk assessment (absolute and relative CVD Framingham risk)
? Health Kiosks to allow individuals to measure and track biometrics
? Health interventions - web portal, literature, global challenge, lifestyle presentations
? High CVD risk employees - specifically targeted with enhanced OH support

Results
Uptake of the CVD screening programme was high - 96% (operative) and 69% (office based). Positive findings warranting further medical consideration (absolute CVD risk>20%, ?BP, ? blood glucose, ?cholesterol) were found in 43% of screens. To date over 200 individuals previously identified as >20% CVD risk have been seen for a repeat assessment and advice. Annual exercise and weight loss challenges have been undertaken for the last 3 years. Participation rates of up to 23% & 18% UK/US have been achieved. Average weight losses (2009) were 7.4lb UK & 6.4lb US.

Discussion
The wellbeing programme has been enthusiastically received. Uptake rates for the CVD screening (UK) have exceeded expectation. The decision to use CVD as a key theme and the ability to provide risk information using simple and relevant terminology has driven employee engagement. The superiority of using multiple risk factors in a validated risk calculation tool as a means of presenting individuals with CVD risk has been well received. The results to date demonstrate the significant level of CVD risk that exists in the workforce and the need for lifestyle and health interventions to tackle this.