More heart disease and higher mortality in those with less education

November 27, 2023

Source: Magnini, et al JAMA Cardiology November 1, 2023 LINK

I wrote last month about decreasing US life expectancy. Smoking, diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure and high cholesterol are responsible for more than half of premature cardiovascular disease in North America. Here is another data point: those who have less education in the US have much higher rates of premature cardiovascular disease, and even some college attendance without graduation is associated with lower rates of heart failure and cardiovascular death compared to those with less education.

The graphic above shows data from JAMA Cardiology demonstrating that the largest amount of excess cardiovascular disease is in those without a high school degree. Nonetheless, studies show that medical expenses incurred by health plans are higher for higher wage workers.

Implications for employers:

• Employers should recognize that workers with less education, who are often lower wage workers, are at higher risk and have more medical needs.

• Employers can target their programs to encourage tobacco cessation and better treat diabetes and obesity to their lower wage workers.

• Employer programs to promote education could have a side benefit of improving overall health

Tomorrow: Potential implications of Amazon’s One Medical membership offer on employer sponsored health plans

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