The Emerging Role of Digital Health Technology in Cardiovascular Care

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. 1 Although genetic and metabolic risk factors play a key role in CVD progression, there are modifiable behavioural risk factors that require patient compliance and motivation to improve CVD outcomes. 1 Digital health intervention (DHI; ie, the use of information technology, electronic health records and communication to help achieve health goals) is an emerging tool in medicine used to manage patients with medical conditions including CVD, conduct research, and monitor public health (Fig. 1). 1,2 Modalities, including Smartwatch monitoring systems, mobile applications, and text messaging or telehealth programs, have been used to improve patient adherence to medical therapies, other secondary prevention strategies, and follow-up, as well as to facilitate community connectedness. 1,3,4 Each of these pillars of patient-centred care contributes to improved CVD health outcomes. 1 However, DHIs might also accentuate issues relating to equal access to health care services and disparities in socioeconomic status. In this article, we focus on the utility of DHIs in CVD care and research and outline their effect on CVD health outcomes (Fig. 2). Application of Digital Health Technology in Cardiovascular CareAlong with improving adherence to targeted medical therapies, lifestyle interventions such as smoking cessation, exercise

Use of Digital Health Technology in Heart Failure and Diabetes: a Scoping Review

“…The growth of digital health technologies (DHT) has been accelerated by the coronavirus pandemic, transforming the delivery of medical care along with highlighting the positive impact and need for persistent advancement in this field. DHT consist of the use of information and communication technologies (e.g., wearables, mobile applications, telehealth, and text messaging platforms) to support health and play an emerging role in managing patients with chronic diseases [ 10 , 11 ]. However, some barriers to the use of DHT include lack of access, financial burden, loss of patient follow-ups or medication adherence, device failure, and end-point validity [ 11 ].…”

“…DHT consist of the use of information and communication technologies (e.g., wearables, mobile applications, telehealth, and text messaging platforms) to support health and play an emerging role in managing patients with chronic diseases [ 10 , 11 ]. However, some barriers to the use of DHT include lack of access, financial burden, loss of patient follow-ups or medication adherence, device failure, and end-point validity [ 11 ]. DHT in clinical studies has become more prevalent in evaluating different aspects of care and evaluation of patient-related outcomes in their normal daily routines.…”