A comprehensive scientific statement published in the journal Circulation reveals that mobile health technologies like fitness trackers, smartwatches, and health apps have significant potential to improve cardiovascular health behaviors, but substantial equity challenges remain for underserved communities.
The research examines how digital health interventions can support heart-healthy behaviors across physical activity, dietary intake, tobacco cessation, and sleep management. However, the study emphasizes that populations most impacted by adverse social drivers of health face significant barriers to accessing and effectively utilizing these technologies.
Nearly 130 million U.S. adults currently have some form of cardiovascular disease, with over 70% experiencing overweight or obesity. The statement highlights that only one in five Americans achieves optimal heart health, with marginalized communities experiencing even lower cardiovascular health scores.
Key findings indicate that while technology-based interventions show promise, their effectiveness varies dramatically across different socioeconomic groups. For instance, physical activity tracking technologies have proven more successful among higher-income populations, suggesting a critical need for tailored technological approaches that address specific community needs.
The research identifies multiple barriers limiting technology access, including financial constraints, low digital literacy, unreliable internet access, privacy concerns, and cultural relevance. Language barriers and technological design that does not account for diverse skin tones in health monitoring devices further complicate equitable technology deployment.
Dr. Mariell Jessup, chief science and medical officer of the American Heart Association, emphasized the importance of developing interventions that support populations most at risk for cardiovascular disease and increasing equitable access to health-promoting technologies.
The scientific statement calls for more research focusing on diverse populations to develop effective, scalable digital health interventions that can genuinely promote cardiovascular health behaviors across all community segments.
