Creating a continuum of care : smart technology in patients with cardiovascular disease

Abstract

Reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease is of

paramount importance in patients who suffered from MI. Taking medication, a

healthy lifestyle and regular outpatient clinic visits contribute to reducing

this risk. This thesis sought to investigate whether e-Health could contribute to improve care for patients with cardiovascular disease. For this thesis, smartphone compatible blood pressure monitors, step counters, weight scales, ECG devices and pulse oximeters were used. Measurement results were automatically sent to the department’s own electronic medical record, enabling both doctor and patient to review the patient’s data. Smartphone technology was shown to improve sleep apnea detection in patients with stable heart failure. Furthermore, they were used in the follow-up of patients who suffered from acute myocardial infarction and patients with cryptogenic stroke. The rationale and design of these trials are described in this thesis.