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Cardiovascular disease affects nearly half of the American population, with one person developing heart disease every 36 seconds, resulting in an annual cost exceeding $360 billion. Moreover, elevated blood pressure played a role in and resulted in the deaths of more than 500,000 individuals in the year 2019.
Recent research conducted by the American Heart Association (AHA) and various clinical studies have provided compelling evidence showcasing the capacity of Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) to significantly lower blood pressure – a critical risk factor for numerous cardiac conditions. Consequently, RPM emerges as a promising solution capable of empowering millions of Americans to adopt a proactive approach when dealing with chronic cardiac conditions.
In this blog, we take a closer look at the factors contributing to cardiac diseases and then explore how RPM can be a transformative tool for cardiac patients, shedding light on its potential advantages in managing existing cases and preventing the onset of cardiovascular conditions.
Cardiovascular Disease Statistics in the United States: A Stark Reality
Here are some significant facts about cardiac conditions in the United States to underscore the prevalence and impact of cardiovascular health issues in the country.
High Blood Pressure:
High blood pressure emerged as a primary or contributing factor in the deaths of over 500,000 Americans in the year 2019. This condition exacts a considerable toll on the U.S. healthcare system, accounting for an annual cost ranging from $131 to $198 billion.
Atrial Fibrillation (AFib):
Projections indicate that by the year 2030, more than 12 million Americans will grapple with Atrial fibrillation (AFib). This cardiac arrhythmia, known for its irregular heartbeat, is responsible for 1 in 7 strokes, leads to over 450,000 hospitalizations, and contributes to approximately 158,000 deaths annually.
Congestive Heart Failure (CHF):
The United States also contends with a substantial population affected by Congestive Heart Failure (CHF), with over 6 million Americans currently living with this condition. Alarming statistics show that over 500,000 new CHF cases are diagnosed each year. This ailment stands as one of the primary reasons for hospitalization among those aged 65 and older, and it was implicated in nearly 400,000 deaths in the year 2018.
Hypertension Management
Worryingly, only 1 in 4 adults diagnosed with hypertension have their condition under control, highlighting a significant gap in managing this critical risk factor for cardiovascular diseases
Blood Pressure Management for Cardiac Care
Given the prevalence of chronic cardiac conditions among the American population, the majority of healthcare providers are already involved in the care of patients with cardiovascular disease or those at risk. Lowering blood pressure through effective management not only improves the overall health of patients but also significantly reduces the likelihood of further cardiovascular events, enhancing their quality of life and long-term prognosis. Research studies have provided evidence that Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) is effective in lowering blood pressure – a critical risk factor associated with various cardiac conditions.
Hypertension is a data-intensive condition requiring continuous management. Remote blood pressure devices enhance patient outcomes and lowers healthcare costs associated with the treatment of hypertension and its complications.
Netrin Health case study – Reducing Emergency Room (ER) Admissions, Readmissions and
Cost Through Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM)
Remote Patient Monitoring for Hypertension Management
For a considerable time, the American Heart Association has advocated for individuals with high blood pressure to self-monitor their blood pressure at home, maintain detailed records, and collaborate with their healthcare providers by sharing this data. This proactive approach can help identify potential issues between scheduled medical visits and assess the effectiveness of prescribed treatments.
However, these recommendations, while beneficial, place the responsibility squarely on the shoulders of patients, leading to challenges in adherence. Keeping a consistent blood pressure journal and regularly sharing data with healthcare providers can often prove burdensome for individuals.
Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) offers a streamlined solution by automating these AHA guidelines, simplifying compliance for patients. By constantly collecting and transmitting data, RPM not only eases the process for patients but also furnishes clinicians with a wealth of information and insights, allowing them to intervene and offer timely guidance when it can have the most significant impact on patient health.
Benefits of Remote Patient Monitoring for Cardiac Patients
Through the analysis and identification of patterns in blood pressure data, your healthcare providers can offer appropriate treatment recommendations and medication adjustments proactively, helping to prevent adverse events. This approach can yield several clinical advantages, including:
- Lowered blood pressure levels.
- Reduced instances of emergency room visits and hospital admissions.
- Diminished risks of conditions like atrial fibrillation (AFib), stroke, and heart failure.
- Increased patient engagement in their care plans.
- Decreased reliance on medications with enhanced blood pressure management.
- Encouraging healthier lifestyle choices by providing frequent, proactive health coaching to patients.
- Enhanced customization of medication regimens to suit individual patient needs.
Exploring the Advantages of Remote Patient Monitoring for Various Cardiac Conditions
In addition to monitoring hypertension and heart failure, blood pressure devices also provide pulse rate data. Irregularities in pulse rate can be a sign of numerous health issues, including arrhythmias, beta-blocker overdose, or even anxiety.
Early detection and assessment of pulse rate irregularities can help determine if changes in medication or additional testing, such as an EKG is necessary. It can also lead to earlier implementation of a pacemaker and other treatments.
Monitoring pulse rate, in conjunction with blood pressure, can prevent or provide early detection of Atrial Fibrillation (AFib or AF), Ventricular Fibrillation (VFib), heart failure, and strokes.
Enhancing Cardiac Care with RPM for Prevention and Effectiveness
Efforts to prevent chronic cardiac conditions often prove ineffective, with a significant portion of Americans failing to maintain control over their high blood pressure.
Remote Patient Monitoring presents a transformative potential in the management of chronic cardiac patients. By providing daily insights into a patient’s vital signs, we have the opportunity to significantly enhance outcomes while simultaneously reducing costs. Clinical research and case studies showcase the experiences of healthcare providers who have already adopted RPM solutions with tangible benefits of this approach.
Fortunately, a well-suited RPM provider can offer services that simplify the implementation, operation, and expansion of your cardiac RPM program. This could involve comprehensive training and patient support for seamless onboarding and monitoring or, if your practice is short on staff resources, opting for managed RPM services.
Are you a healthcare professional interested in seeing if remote patient monitoring is a good solution for your patient population? If you’re aiming to enhance the well-being of your chronic cardiac patients, feel free to contact us and arrange a free consultation with one of our RPM specialists.