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Mobile Health for CVD Prevention

AHA scientific statement examines digital health

Publish date:: September 1, 2015

The American Heart Association’s (AHA) new scientific statement reviews the use of mHealth, or the use of mobile computing and communications technologies such as mobile phones and wearable sensors, for health services and information, and discusses their promise for improving health of the general population. Among the recommendations and cautions for healthcare practitioners regarding potential CVD-related applications for mHealth are:

• Improvement in weight loss management – there is evidence for the effectiveness of mobile apps to help with weight loss.

• Increased physical activity – apps appear to be helpful in increasing physical activity. More study is needed for the newer wearable devices that track steps.

• Smoking cessation – text messaging programs produce approximately double the abstinence rates of minimal intervention.

• Self-management of diabetes mellitus

• Improved hypertension care

• Dyslipidemia management

Citation: Burke LE, Ma J, Azar KMJ, et al. Current science on consumer use of mobile health for cardiovascular disease prevention. Circulation. [Published online ahead of print August 13, 2015. doi:10.1161/CIR.0000000000000232.

Commentary: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death and disability in the United States, and lifestyle related factors are major contributors to cardiovascular disease. The American Heart Association has placed emphasis on improving four health behaviors in its 2020 Strategic Impact Goals: reducing smoking, achieving weight loss, healthful eating, and promotion of regular physical activity. In 2014, smartphones were used by 81% of households with an income above $75,000/yr., almost half (47%) of households with an income below $30,000/yr., and fully two-thirds of adults access the Internet with their mobile devices¹. In addition, wearable activity tracking devices are increasingly being used. Use of mobile devices that allow one to track activity, diet and other behavior is an area where the potential for engagement and promotion of health lifestyle is large. While the data lags behind the technology, from a practical point of view there is now ample opportunity to recommend the use of mobile devices that promote healthy choices and physical active as an adjunct to the counseling we do in the office. —Neil Skolnik, MD

1. Pew Research Internet Project: cell phone and smartphone ownership demographics. 2014. https://www.pewinternet.org/data-trend/mobile/cell- phone-and-smartphone-ownership-demographics/. Updated October 23, 2014. Accessed August 27, 2015.

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