Digital Health Innovations to Improve Cardiovascular Disease Care

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To review the current evidence supporting the use of digital health technologies in cardiovascular disease (CVD) care. RECENT FINDINGS: Studies have evaluated the impact of the use of digital health technologies to improve CVD outcomes through several modalities: text-messaging programmes, smartphone applications (apps) and wearable devices. Text-messaging programmes are to date the most studied type of digital health interventions, and studies have demonstrated reduced CVD risk and improved medication adherence. Literature supporting the use of smartphone apps is also growing but remains limited, with some studies favouring the use of health apps but others showing negative results. Wearable devices are the latest type of technology investigated, and studies have shown positive outcomes in terms of physical activity and detection of arrhythmias. SUMMARY: Digital health is a growing and evolving area of investigation. To date, the scientific evidence overall supports the use of such technologies in CVD care and management. Future research using new models are needed to continue to evaluate these new technologies.