Revolutionizing cardiovascular care: The role of digital health innovations

Abstract:

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is an umbrella term for any condition affecting the circulatory system, which includes the heart that pumps blood and the blood vessels that transport it throughout the body. CVDs, which encompass conditions such as ischemic heart diseases, stroke, heart failure, peripheral arterial diseases, and other cardiac and vascular disorders, are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally and have a significant impact on quality of life. In 2017, CVDs were responsible for an estimated 17.8 million deaths worldwide, accounting for 330 million years of life lost (YLL) and 35.6 million years of disability. When paired with data on CVD and related risk factors, these health metrics provide critical information for cardiologists, doctors, and public health experts. They provide crucial population-level data that may be used to develop global, regional, national, and local policies for preventing, treating, and managing CVDs and risk factors. Digital health interventions (DHIs), which use information technology, electronic health records, and communication tools to accomplish health-related goals, are becoming increasingly important in patient management, research, and public health monitoring. Smartwatch monitoring systems, smartphone applications, text messaging, and telehealth programs have all been used to improve compliance with medical treatments, assist secondary preventive initiatives, assure follow-up, and increase community ties. Together, these patient-centered treatment techniques lead to improved CVD outcomes.