A Systematic Review of Digital Health Solutions for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention (Preprint)

Abstract

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains a critical global health concern, contributing significantly to global mortality rates, with approximately 70% of cases linked to modifiable risk factors. While traditional methods for CVD prevention face challenges, digital health technologies offer promising avenues for intervention. However, the extent to which these technologies comprehensively address the spectrum of CVD prevention strategies remains unclear. Currently, there is an absence of systematic evaluations within the existing literature regarding the effectiveness and scope of digital solutions in CVD prevention. This emphasizes the need for examination and synthesis of available research to guide future developments and implementations.

Objective: This review aims to make a thorough analysis of how digital technologies can effectively tackle the challenges posed by traditional approaches to CVD prevention. This review aims to consolidate existing literature on digital solutions for CVD prevention, delineate the key components of successful CVD prevention targeted by digital solutions, and outline the research gaps requiring attention to foster the development of sustainable and scalable digital solutions for CVD prevention.

Methods: Our methodology involved identifying primary literature on CVD prevention using digital solutions, specifically technologies facilitating remote care beyond traditional telephone use. Utilizing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework as a guideline, we searched comprehensively in Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed to retrieve original studies published in English between January 2000 and May 2024.

Results: Our search identified 30 eligible studies, with 24 (80%) being randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The digital solutions reviewed for CVD prevention primarily focused on baseline assessment (97%,), physical activity counseling (60%), tobacco cessation (47%), blood pressure management (43%), and medication adherence (33%). Technologies such as smartphones and wearables (53%), email and short message service (SMS) communications (40%), and websites or web portals (10%) were utilized in the studies. Approximately half of the studies addressed blood pressure, exercise capacity, and weight, whereas less than a third addressed medication use, quality of life, dietary habits, intervention adherence, waist circumference, and blood glucose levels.

Conclusions: Digital solution has the potential to alleviate challenges associated with traditional CVD prevention approaches by enhancing preventive behaviors and monitoring health indicators. However, evaluated interventions have predominantly focused on medication use, quality of life, dietary habits, intervention adherence, and waist. Thus, subsequent studies are crucial with more extensive interventions in CVD prevention for assessing their lasting effect on key cardiovascular outcomes.

-