Smartphone Apps Could Reduce Your Risk For Heart Attack, Stroke

A smartphone app could help you live a heart-healthy lifestyle and reduce your risk of having a stroke or heart attack or developing heart disease.

A new review found people more easily follow a heart healthy lifestyle if guided by internet sites and smartphone apps that can help set and track goals. Dr. Ashkan Afshin was the lead researcher. He is an assistant professor of global health at the University of Washington.

According to the review results, mobile- and internet-based interventions effectively helped improve lifestyle factors such as physical activity and diet in the short-tern. The interventions were effective in aiding modest weight loss as well, over a period of three months to a year.

Afshin and his research team analyzed 224 past studies that had been published from 1990 to 2013. They came to the following conclusions:

• People were more active, ate better, lost weight, and used less tobacco and consumed less alcohol if they used internet-based interventions
• People who used smartphone interventions lost weight and exercised more

They found that apps which used multiple methods of communication, such as emails and mobile notifications, and used goal-setting and self monitoring tools were more successful. They also were found to be more effective if they involved some communication with a health care provider.

The apps make it easy to individuals to hold themselves accountable and track their progress. In the past, people have relied on pen and paper, and it is sometimes more difficult to remember to write something down. In addition, pen and paper do not remind you where you started or how far you have to go, without you doing some manual page turning or calculations.

Really, it is all about an individual taking control of their life.

The apps have the added benefit of making it easy for people to share information with their doctors.

If used as a communication tool with your doctor, it can be even more effective at improving your health.

Apps and websites are a cheap alternative for people who struggle to afford a gym membership, personal trainer, dietician, or personalized nutrition plan. While not everyone has access to these things, or even a car to get to a gym, pretty much everyone has a phone.

However, not all apps are created equal. Beware apps that claim to measure blood pressure, cholesterol, or blood sugar. Look for an app that encourages you to exercise and shows you how, in addition to teaching you how much and what to eat. Apps with goal-setting functions and help you stay accountable are best.