Q: Is hypertension considered a disability under ADA?

A: Hypertension can be a disabling condition under both the ADA and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, if it affects a major life function. If you wish to receive accommodations, it would be very wise for you to get a doctor's note indicating what your restriction are at work and what you need in the way of accommodations.

Good luck to you.

A: Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a condition is considered a disability if it substantially limits one or more major life activities. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, can qualify as a disability under the ADA if it significantly impairs your daily activities or if it requires a substantial amount of time for treatment and management. The determination of whether hypertension is a disability is made on a case-by-case basis, considering how it affects an individual's life and activities.

If your hypertension requires accommodations at work, you are entitled to request reasonable adjustments from your employer. This could include modified work schedules, breaks to take medication, or a quiet space to rest if needed. It's important to communicate clearly with your employer about the nature of your condition and the specific accommodations that would help you perform your job effectively.

To request accommodations, you might need to provide documentation from your healthcare provider that explains how your hypertension affects your work and suggests reasonable accommodations. Your employer is required to engage in an interactive process with you to determine appropriate accommodations unless doing so would cause undue hardship to the business. Remember, the goal is to enable you to perform your job while managing your health condition effectively.