The mobile revolution—using smartphone apps to prevent cardiovascular disease

Neubeck, Lis; Lowres, Nicole; Benjamin, Emelia J; Freedman, S Ben; Coorey, Genevieve; Redfern, Julie

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Mobile technology might enable increased access to effective prevention of CVDs. Given the high penetration of smartphones into groups with low socioeconomic status, health-related mobile applications might provide an opportunity to overcome traditional barriers to cardiac rehabilitation access. The huge increase in low-cost health-related apps that are not regulated by health-care policy makers raises three important areas of interest. Are apps developed according to evidenced-based guidelines or on any evidence at all? Is there any evidence that apps are of benefit to people with CVD? What are the components of apps that are likely to facilitate changes in behaviour and enable individuals to adhere to medical advice? In this Review, we assess the current literature and content of existing apps that target patients with CVD risk factors and that can facilitate behaviour change. We present an overview of the current literature on mobile technology as it relates to prevention and management of CVD. We also evaluate how apps can be used throughout all age groups with different CVD prevention needs.

Citation

Neubeck, L., Lowres, N., Benjamin, E. J., Freedman, S. B., Coorey, G., & Redfern, J. (2015). The mobile revolution—using smartphone apps to prevent cardiovascular disease. Nature Reviews Cardiology, 12(6), 350-360. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrcardio.2015.34

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Online Publication Date: Mar 24, 2015
• Publication Date: 2015
• Deposit Date: Oct 27, 2016
• Journal: Nat Rev Cardiol; Nature Reviews Cardiology
• Print ISSN: 1759-5002
• Electronic ISSN: 1759-5010
• Publisher: Nature Publishing Group
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 12
• Issue: 6
• Pages: 350-360
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/nrcardio.2015.34
• Keywords: Cardiology, cardiovascular medicine,
• Public URL: http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/Output/409235