At BuildUP26, Health15, supported by Southbase Construction, delivered free onsite health checks for conference attendees throughout the day, providing a simple but powerful snapshot of workforce health in real time.
Across 87 people tested, only 20 recorded a normal blood pressure reading, meaning 77% returned elevated results. Of those with high readings, just 10% were on medication, compared to an anticipated level of around 33%. This suggests a significant proportion of participants may have unmanaged high blood pressure, often without being aware of it.
Hypertension is frequently called a silent condition because it often presents with no obvious symptoms. Despite this, it is one of the most significant risk factors for serious health conditions, including heart disease, kidney disease, and stroke. Left untreated, it can cause long-term damage to vital organs and significantly increase the risk of sudden medical events.
Stroke remains one of the most serious consequences of unmanaged high blood pressure. In Aotearoa, it is a leading cause of adult disability and the second leading cause of death. It is estimated that at least 9,000 strokes and a significant number of transient ischaemic attacks (TIAs) occur each year, equating to around 25 strokes per day. Importantly, stroke is no longer a condition limited to older populations, with approximately 25 to 30 percent of cases occurring in people under 65.
The encouraging reality is that many of these risks are preventable. High blood pressure is the single most important modifiable risk factor for stroke, and regular monitoring, early detection, and simple lifestyle changes can significantly reduce long-term risk.
Health15 is a partnership between Stroke Aotearoa and The Building Intelligence Group that delivers preventative health checks in the workplace, alongside a network of health partners. The aim is to identify risk early and help people take simple, practical steps to improve their health.
The service is quick and accessible, with each check taking less than 15 minutes and delivered onsite at work. This makes it easier for people to participate by removing barriers such as time, cost and access, while also providing follow-up support and anonymised insights to help organisations understand the wellbeing of their teams.
