A groundbreaking study published in JMIR mHealth and uHealth has revealed that patients with coronary heart disease who underwent a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) experienced significant improvements in their lifestyle habits and adherence to healthy behaviors when using the interactive mobile health (mHealth) application EVITE. This innovative app not only helped patients make positive changes in their diet, physical activity, and smoking habits but also enhanced their knowledge of cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs) and overall quality of life.
Coronary heart disease is a leading cause of death globally, making secondary prevention crucial to reduce the risk of further cardiac events. A PCI is a minimally invasive procedure that opens up blocked or narrowed coronary arteries, restoring proper blood flow to the heart. With approximately 900,000 PCIs performed annually in the US alone, this study focused on patients in Spain who underwent the procedure between November 2019 and June 2022.
The randomized controlled trial included 128 participants, with 67 assigned to the mHealth intervention group and 61 to the control group receiving standard care. The EVITE app featured various components such as a website, messages, emails, and calls to encourage users to adhere to lifestyle modifications and medication schedules. Over a 9-month period, patients in the mHealth group demonstrated significant improvements in various lifestyle parameters compared to the control group.
One key finding was the enhanced adherence to the Mediterranean diet among patients using the app, with a higher proportion achieving scores indicative of high adherence compared to the control group. Additionally, users of the EVITE app reported a significant reduction in the consumption of red meat and industrial pastries, along with increased intake of vegetables, fruits, and whole-grain cereals.
Physical activity levels also saw a notable increase in the mHealth group, with patients engaging in nearly 150 more minutes of physical activity per week compared to the control group. Moreover, a higher number of patients in the mHealth group successfully quit smoking after 9 months, showcasing the app’s effectiveness in promoting healthy behaviors.
Participants using the app demonstrated a greater understanding of CVRFs and healthy lifestyle practices, leading to improved management of these factors. While both groups showed similar improvements in therapeutic adherence, the mHealth group exhibited better scores in the physical component of quality of life assessments.
Overall, patients in the mHealth group reported higher satisfaction with their healthcare experience compared to those in the control group. The authors emphasized the need for further studies to assess the long-term impact of smartphone interventions on individuals with coronary heart disease, including mortality rates and hospitalization due to cardiac causes.
In conclusion, the EVITE mHealth app has shown promising results in helping patients with coronary heart disease improve their lifestyle habits and adhere to healthy behaviors post-PCI. By combining technology with personalized support and education, this innovative tool has the potential to enhance secondary prevention strategies and ultimately improve patient outcomes in the long run.