Impact of a mobile health-based disease management program on coronary risk factors among chronic ischemic heart disease holders

Background Ischemic Heart Disease (IHD) is a leading global cause of death. Management often involves controlling factors such as low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol.[1] In recent years, mobile health (mHealth) technologies have significantly impacted chronic disease management, offering novel, personalized healthcare approaches.[2] These technologies enable continuous monitoring and real-time interventions, making them particularly suitable for managing conditions like IHD. mHealth has become integral to modern healthcare, especially for long-term conditions, due to its ability to provide personalized care and enhance patient engagement. While there is growing evidence of mHealth's efficacy in cardiac failure and other aspects of cardiovascular health, studies focusing specifically on LDL cholesterol as a primary outcome in the context of IHD are limited. Previous studies have focused primarily on the acute phase.[3] Furthermore, it's recognized that mHealth's success often hinges on the inclusion of professional guidance and feedback, which enhances its effectiveness.[2] Purpose This study investigates the effectiveness of a Mobile Health-Based Disease Management Program in reducing LDL cholesterol in individuals with chronic IHD. Methods In this retrospective study, IHD patients participated in a Mobile Health-Based Disease Management Program from December 2018 to October 2022. The program involved bi-weekly phone consultations, app-based monitoring, and regular physician updates over 6 months. The primary measure was the change in LDL cholesterol levels, with secondary outcomes including body weight, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, HbA1c, uric acid, blood pressure, salt intake, and sleep duration. Effectiveness was evaluated using paired t-tests, with analyses conducted in R software. Results Of the 266 participants, results included a significant reduction in LDL cholesterol levels from an average of 98.82 (SD 40.92) to 86.62 (SD 39.86) mg/dL. Other health indicators also improved: average body weight dropped from 77.51 (SD 17.53) to 72.39 (SD 19.84) kg, and triglyceride levels decreased from 145.83 (SD 98.52) to 115.89 (SD 77.12) mg/dL. These results indicate a positive effect on overall metabolic health. Stratified analysis showed that participants with higher initial LDL levels experienced more substantial improvements in various health metrics. Conclusion This study demonstrates that the Mobile Health-Based Disease Management Program effectively lowered LDL cholesterol, particularly in individuals with higher initial levels, showcasing its potential in managing cardiovascular risk in chronic IHD. Future research should focus on the broader application and long-term sustainability of such programs.