title: The mobile revolution--using smartphone apps to prevent cardiovascular disease.
abstract: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Mobile technology might enable increased access to effective prevention of CVDs. Given the high penetration of smartphones into groups with low socioeconomic status, health-related mobile applications might provide an opportunity to overcome traditional barriers to cardiac rehabilitation access. The huge increase in low-cost health-related apps that are not regulated by health-care policy makers raises three important areas of interest. Are apps developed according to evidenced-based guidelines or on any evidence at all? Is there any evidence that apps are of benefit to people with CVD? What are the components of apps that are likely to facilitate changes in behaviour and enable individuals to adhere to medical advice? In this Review, we assess the current literature and content of existing apps that target patients with CVD risk factors and that can facilitate behaviour change. We present an overview of the current literature on mobile technology as it relates to prevention and management of CVD. We also evaluate how apps can be used throughout all age groups with different CVD prevention needs.
authors: Sydney Nursing School, Level 2, Building D17, Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
authors: Lis
authors: L
authors: Neubeck
authors: Sydney Medical School, Edward Ford Building (A27), University of Sydney, Camperdown, Sydney, NSW 2206, Australia.
authors: Nicole
authors: N
authors: Lowres
authors: Boston University Schools of Medicine and Public Health, The Framingham Heart Study, 73 Mount Wayte Avenue, Suite 2, Framingham, MA 01702-5827, USA.
authors: Emelia J
authors: EJ
authors: Benjamin
authors: Department of Cardiology 3W, Concord Hospital, Hospital Road, Concord, NSW 2139, Australia.
authors: S Ben
authors: SB
authors: Freedman
authors: The George Institute for Global Health, University of Sydney, Level 10 KGV Building, Missenden Road, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia.
authors: Genevieve
authors: G
authors: Coorey
authors: The George Institute for Global Health, University of Sydney, Level 10 KGV Building, Missenden Road, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia.
authors: Julie
authors: J
authors: Redfern
mesh_terms: D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D040421:Cell Phone; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine / Q000379:methods; D015438:Health Behavior; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D063731:Mobile Applications / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000592:standards