ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the use of digital health to promote cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk reduction. A broad spectrum of alternative, secondary prevention delivery models that incorporate novel digital health technologies have been proposed for rectifying barriers to low rates of utilization of traditional cardiac rehabilitation programs and for the provision of ongoing, evidence-based, secondary prevention interventions. Digital health interventions appear to be most effective when integrated with evidence-based behavioral change strategies and direct interaction between participants and healthcare providers. The 2015 American Heart Association scientific statement on consumer use of mobile health reviewed the scientific literature on mHealth tools related to CVD prevention. Newly developed and rapidly evolving technological innovations have the potential to play a pivotal role in the shift from volume- to value-based health care. The primary objectives of the digital technology-enabled telehealth coaching program are to help participants: make and adhere to meaningful, evidence-based lifestyle changes; and learn about CVD/risk factors and acquire appropriate self-management skills.
