Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 11, 2026

A Community-based Stress Management Program: Using Wearable Devices to Assess Whole Body Physiological Responses in Non-laboratory Settings
Published on: January 22, 2018
A hypertension control program based on the workplace. Report on the Chicago Center
Insights
Workplace screening identified many individuals with high blood pressure. The Hypertension Detection and Follow-Up Program (HDFP) demonstrated that a supported, multi-faceted approach effectively controls hypertension in employees.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Occupational Health
Background:
- Hypertension is a significant public health concern, necessitating effective screening and management strategies.
- Identifying and treating hypertension in occupational settings can improve population health outcomes.
- The Hypertension Detection and Follow-Up Program (HDFP) aimed to assess workplace-based hypertension control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of workplace-based hypertension screening and intervention.
- To assess the adherence and outcomes of a pharmacologic hypertension treatment regimen.
- To determine the feasibility of using workplace settings for hypertension control.
Main Methods:
- Screening of 7,151 individuals in Chicago companies identified 833 suspect hypertensives.
- 513 individuals had confirmed high diastolic pressure; half were referred to physicians, half to the HDFP.
- HDFP utilized a step-wise pharmacologic regimen with a multidisciplinary team to maximize adherence.
Main Results:
- 94% of those assigned to HDFP accepted treatment, with over 90% active at one year.
- Average diastolic pressure decreased from 102.6 mm Hg at screening to 83.1 mm Hg at one year.
- Efforts to mitigate treatment barriers (cost, convenience, understanding) improved program adherence.
Conclusions:
- The workplace is a viable and effective setting for hypertension screening and control.
- A comprehensive, supportive treatment program significantly improves hypertension management.
- Multidisciplinary teams and outreach efforts enhance patient adherence to long-term therapy.
Abstract:
In several large Chicago companies and institutions, workplace screening of 7,151 persons yielded 833 suspect hypertensives. Of these, 91% attended a follow-up verification visit, where for 513 persons high diastolic pressure was confirmed. One-half of these persons were referred to their physicians for treatment and one-half were randomly assigned to be treated directly by HDFP, in a step-wise pharmacologic regimen to normalize diastolic pressure. Of the 257 persons assigned to program treatment, 94% accepted such treatment, and over 90% of these still living in the community were active participants at one year. Average diastolic pressure of these active participants was 83.1 mm Hg at one year, compared to 102.6 at first screen and 98.8 at the second confirmatory screening. A strenuous effort has been made to reduce or eliminate obstacles to treatment, including lack of understanding of the need for long-term therapy, cost barriers and barriers of inconvenience of treatment. The medical team conducting the program combined physicians with nonphysician therapist-health counselors, plus "outreach" staff, to maximize program adherence. Preliminary experiences in the Chicago Center of the Hypertension Detection and Follow-Up Program (HDFP) give encouraging evidence that the workplace is a useful base for successful hypertension control efforts.
Related Concept Videos
Errors occurring during blood pressure monitoring
Several factors...
Assessment of blood pressure in brachial artery(one-step method)
Prepare for the Procedure:
Hypertension and Regulation of Blood Pressure
Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Hypertension IV: Drug Therapy and Lifestyle Modifications
Hypertension V: Nursing Management

