Heart failure, the inability of the heart to pump enough blood, is a condition that affects millions worldwide. Though treatments for heart failure are available, far too many patients around the world-mostly in developing countries-do not receive appropriate care. This new study has highlighted how rapidly digital tools, from wearable health monitors to smartphone apps are changing how doctors detect, treat, and monitor heart failure.
These tools have facilitated the early detection of heart problems, fine-tuning of treatments, and monitoring of patients without necessarily having to visit the hospital all the time. With modern technology and access to the internet, the possibilities of using these tools are endless.
It enumerates that this digital solution bridges the care gap, particularly in regions where health care access is really at its lowest. In the future, however, what would ensure the most from this technology is the setting of global standards with systems that will guarantee supportive measures for all.
This work epitomizes the critical role technology can play in improving heart health and tackling one of the world’s biggest healthcare challenges. It’s a further step toward making healthcare smarter, more efficient, and accessible to all.
Full text: Peder L Myhre, Jasper Tromp, Wouter Ouwerkerk, Daniel S W Ting, Kieran F Docherty, C Michael Gibson, Carolyn S P Lam, Digital tools in heart failure: addressing unmet needs, The Lancet Digital Health, 2024; 6: e755–66, https://doi.org/10.1016/s2589-7500(24)00158-4