MENLO PARK, CA–(BUSINESS WIRE). The study was published as an abstract in the American Heart Association hypertension Journal, notes that Hello Heart’s digital hypertension coaching program could contribute to health equity by demonstrating similar improvements in heart health across a range of populations, across gender, age, race and more.
In heart disease, there are differences in prevalence, mortality rate, and care between different groups. Women’s death rate from heart attacks is twice that of men – making heart disease their biggest health gap. Hypertension is a condition that disproportionately affects black adults — and the group experiences 30% more deaths from heart disease compared to non-Hispanic white adults. Additionally, 25 million Spanish speakers receive about a third less medical care than other Americans, suggesting that language barriers also influence inequitable cardiovascular health outcomes.
Closing the gaps in hypertension treatment is critical to mitigating the impact of social health determinants (SDoH) on heart health. The aim of the study was to investigate whether Hello Heart’s smartphone-based hypertension self-management program can achieve consistently lower systolic blood pressure (SBP) in all user groups where health inequalities are known.
According to the results, all subgroups achieved better clinical outcomes using Hello Heart, and the improvement was similar regardless of differences in race, age, and preferred language. Female participants saw a greater decrease in SBP than males. The data suggests that Hello Heart’s digital coaching tools have the potential to contribute to health equity in hypertension outcomes, particularly among women.
“Unfortunately, when it comes to heart disease, there are disparities in coverage and mortality across gender, race and age group,” said Maayan Cohen, co-founder and CEO of Hello Heart. “This important study suggests that digital therapeutics could help level the playing field in heart health.”
The study comes at a time when regulators and public health officials, like the Surgeon General, are calling for more action to address heart health-related issues. Organizations like the CDC have issued a call to action for employers to provide tools for better blood pressure control via automated home blood pressure monitors.
Hello Heart is focused on supporting whole-heart health and is committed to helping employers advance DEI, including women’s health initiatives. The results of the study were presented in detail during the American Heart Association’s Hypertension 2022 Scientific Sessions on September 9, 2022 in San Diego, California. To learn more about the results, visit the executive summary.
About Hello Heart
Hello Heart is the only digital therapeutics company solely focused on heart disease, the leading killer of adults in the United States. Through a connected device and mobile app that uses AI, behavioral science and personalized digital coaching to drive lifestyle changes, Hello Heart empowers people to engage in healthier behaviors that may reduce the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease. It also helps users catch blood pressure readings that are commonly considered extremely high and encourages them to talk to their doctor to identify potential risks ahead of time. Hello Heart is peer-reviewed and trusted by leading Fortune 500 companies. It’s easy to use and works with the benefits ecosystem. Founded in 2013, Hello Heart is a member of the American Heart Association’s Innovators’ Network and part of the CVS Health Point Solutions Management program. Visit www.helloheart.com for more information.
Abstract details
The study, “Efficacy Of A Digital Hypertension Self-management and Lifestyle Coaching Program In Reducing Blood Pressure Across Sex, Language And Racial Groups,” was published in the American Heart Association’s journal Hypertension. There were 14,699 users in the 6 month study authored by Jennifer Roberts, MS; Brian Roach, MS; Tomer Gazit, PhD; and Shirley Mark, PhD, of Hello Heart, and Sanjeev Aggarwal, MD, MBA, of Beaumont Health. Researchers found that 83.6% of patients with stage 2 hypertension (SBP ≥ 140 mmHg) reduced SBP at the start of the program, with an average reduction of 16.6 mmHg. Although there was no significant difference in SBP change based on age, race, or preferred language, females had a greater reduction in SBP than males (1.4 mmHg greater). Participants took part in an employer-sponsored high blood pressure improvement program and were given access to the Hello Heart program, which includes a Bluetooth-enabled blood pressure monitor and a lifestyle coaching app for self-management. The app allows users to track blood pressure over time, provides daily training on readings, and allows users to share reports electronically with providers – features designed to help mitigate the effects of SDoH and manage hypertension to improve.
