mHealth Technology and CVD Risk Reduction

Purpose of ReviewTo review existing mHealth-based interventions and examine their efficacy in reducing cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors.Recent FindingsA total of 50 articles are included in this review. The majority of the mHealth interventions targeted a specific CVD risk factor, while 4 addressed 2 or more CVD risk factors. Of the 9 mHealth-supported weight loss intervention trials, 4 resulted in significant weight loss. Four out of 7 RCTs targeting improvement in physical activity reported significant improvement, while 4 of the 8 mHealth-supported smoking cessation intervention trials resulted in smoking abstinence. Of the 10 mHealth-based diabetes intervention trials, 5 reported significant reductions in HbA1c; however, only 3 out of the 9 antihypertension interventions resulted in significant reductions in blood pressure.SummaryThere is a growing body of literature focused on mHealth interventions that address CVD risk factors. Despite the immense potential of mHealth interventions, evidence of their efficacy in mitigating cardiovascular risk is heterogeneous.

Automated summary

There is a growing body of literature on mHealth interventions targeting CVD risk factors. Although mHealth interventions have potential, evidence of their effectiveness in reducing cardiovascular risk factors is varied.