The use of technology-based health solutions, such as fitness trackers, smartwatches and mobile health apps, has shown potential to help people improve management of their cardiovascular health. However, people affected by adverse social drivers of health face barriers in accessing health care including these new technologies, and interventions are needed to broaden access and improve cardiovascular health for all, according to a new scientific statement published today in the American Heart Association's flagship, peer-reviewed journal Circulation.
The new scientific statement, "The Role of Technology in Promoting Heart Healthy Behavior Change to Increase Equity in Optimal Cardiovascular Health," examines how technology-enabled, mobile devices and interventions (wearable devices, apps and telehealth or remote coaching) can help improve cardiovascular health behaviors. It also highlights barriers that need to be addressed to make these technologies more accessible to more people, particularly those affected by adverse social drivers of health.
Social drivers of health that negatively impact cardiovascular and overall health outcomes include lower socioeconomic status, insufficient health care access, housing instability, underserved or under-resourced neighborhood environments, and psychosocial stressors. These factors directly determine access to resources and opportunities for healthy lifestyle and behaviors.
