title: Electronic messaging support service programs improve adherence to lipid-lowering therapy among outpatients with coronary artery disease: an exploratory randomised control study. A mobile phone intervention increases physical activity in people with cardiovascular disease: Results from the HEART randomized controlled trial Randomized trial of an internet-based computer-tailored expert system for physical activity in patients with heart disease Internet based vascular risk factor management for patients with clinically manifest vascular disease: randomised controlled trial Increasing the medium-term clinical benefits of hospital-based cardiac rehabilitation by physical activity telemonitoring in coronary artery disease patients A Web-Based Program Improves Physical Activity Outcomes in a Primary Care Angina Population: Randomized Controlled Trial An eHealth Diary and Symptom-Tracking Tool Combined With Person-Centered Care for Improving Self-Efficacy After a Diagnosis of Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Substudy of a Randomized Controlled Trial Smartphone-based home care model improved use of cardiac rehabilitation in postmyocardial infarction patients: results from a randomised controlled trial The health impact of an online heart disease support group: a comparison of moderated versus unmoderated support. Text Message and Internet Support for Coronary Heart Disease Self-Management: Results From the Text4Heart Randomized Controlled Trial Medium-Term Effectiveness of a Comprehensive Internet-Based and Patient-Specific Telerehabilitation Program With Text Messaging Support for Cardiac Patients: Randomized Controlled Trial Effect of Lifestyle-Focused Text Messaging on Risk Factor Modification in Patients With Coronary Heart Disease: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Effect of a reminder system using an automated short message service on medication adherence following acute coronary syndrome Patterns, predictors and effects of texting intervention on physical activity in CHD – insights from the TEXT ME randomized clinical trial Effects of interactive patient smartphone support app on drug adherence and lifestyle changes in myocardial infarction patients: A randomized study. Improving access to cardiac rehabilitation using the internet: a randomized trial. Virtual reality exercise on a home-based phase III cardiac rehabilitation program, effect on executive function, quality of life and depression, anxiety and stress: a randomized controlled trial Digital health intervention during cardiac rehabilitation: A randomized controlled trial A text messaging intervention to promote medication adherence for patients with coronary heart disease: a randomized controlled trial. Clinical trial of an Internet-based case management system for secondary prevention of heart disease. Evaluation of a Telemedicine Service for the Secondary Prevention of Coronary Artery Disease Psychosocial factors and medication adherence among patients with coronary heart disease: A text messaging intervention
abstract: AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To compare drug adherence to lipid-lowering therapy among out patients with coronary artery disease who received information via short message service , via short message service and Micro Letter , or via phone only .  BACKGROUND Messaging applications and short message service are commonly used internationally . However , little is known about how coronary artery disease out patients in China may benefit from receiving health education through these technologies . DESIGN R and om sampling method . METHODS Data were collected from March-December 2013 . Subjects from Chengdu City , China , were r and omised to three groups : short message service , short message service + Micro Letter , and phone ( control ) . Appointment reminders and health information were delivered to patients in accordance with design ations . After six months , adherence to statin prescriptions was compared among the groups by using the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale . Logistic regression analysis was applied to determine those independent variables that were related to adherence . RESULTS The short message service and short message service + Micro Letter groups had better cumulative adherence ( lower Morisky Medication Adherence Scale scores ) after six months than phone group , and the short message service + Micro Letter group had better cumulative adherence ( lower Morisky Medication Adherence Scale scores ) than the short message service group . Female sex , older age and marriage show positive associations with adherence . CONCLUSIONS Short message service and messaging applications , such as Micro Letter , are effective means of providing discharged patients with reminders and coronary artery disease-related health information . Implementation of a short message service + Micro Letter program can improve outpatient adherence to medication . RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE This research offers useful information to help medical staff design effective interventions to improve medication compliance among coronary artery disease patients Aim To determine the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a mobile phone intervention to improve exercise capacity and physical activity behaviour in people with ischaemic heart disease ( IHD ) . Methods and results In this single-blind , parallel , two-arm , r and omized controlled trial adults ( n = 171 ) with IHD were r and omized to receive a mobile phone delivered intervention  ( HEART ; n = 85 ) plus usual care , or usual care alone ( n = 86 ) . Adult participants aged 18 years or more , with a diagnosis of IHD , were clinical ly stable as out patients , able to perform exercise , able to underst and and write English , and had access to the Internet . The HEART ( Heart Exercise And Remote Technologies ) intervention involved a personalized , automated package of text messages and a secure website with video messages aim ed at increasing exercise behaviour , delivered over 24 weeks . All participants were able to access usual community-based cardiac rehabilitation , which involves encouragement of physical activity and an offer to join a local cardiac support club . All outcomes were assessed at baseline and 24 weeks and included peak oxygen uptake ( PVO2 ; primary outcome ) , self-reported physical activity , health-related quality of life , self-efficacy and motivation ( secondary outcomes ) . Results showed no differences in PVO2 between the two groups ( difference −0.21 ml kg−1 min−1 , 95 % CI : −1.1 , 0.7 ; p = 0.65 ) at 24 weeks . However significant treatment effects were observed for selected secondary outcomes , including leisure time physical activity ( difference 110.2 min/week , 95 % CI : −0.8 , 221.3 ; p = 0.05 ) and walking ( difference 151.4 min/week , 95 % CI : 27.6 , 275.2 ; p = 0.02 ) . There were also significant improvements in self-efficacy to be active ( difference 6.2 % , 95 % CI : 0.2 , 12.2 ; p = 0.04 ) and the general health domain of the SF36 ( difference 2.1 , 95 % CI : 0.1 , 4.1 ; p = 0.03 ) at 24 weeks . The HEART programme was considered likely to be cost-effective for leisure time activity and walking . Conclusions A mobile phone intervention was not effective at increasing exercise capacity over and above usual care . The intervention was effective and probably cost-effective for increasing physical activity and may have the potential to augment existing cardiac rehabilitation services Background : The CardioFit internet-based expert system was design ed to promote physical activity in patients with coronary heart disease ( CHD ) who were not participating in cardiac rehabilitation . Design : This r and omized controlled trial compared CardioFit to usual care to assess its effects on physical activity following hospitalization for acute coronary syndromes . Methods : A total of 223 participants were recruited at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute or London Health Sciences Centre and r and omly assigned to either  CardioFit  ( n = 115 ) or  usual care ( n = 108 ) . The CardioFit group received a personally tailored physical-activity plan upon discharge from the hospital and access to a secure website for activity planning and tracking . They completed five online tutorials over a 6-month period and were in email contact with an exercise specialist . Usual care consisted of physical activity guidance from an attending cardiologist .  Physical activity was measured by pedometer and self-reported over a 7-day period , 6 and 12 months after r and omization . Results : The CardioFit internet-based physical activity expert system significantly increased objective ly measured ( p = 0.023 ) and self-reported physical activity ( p = 0.047 ) compared to usual care . Emotional ( p = 0.038 ) and physical ( p = 0.031 ) dimensions of heart disease health-related quality of life were also higher with CardioFit compared to usual care . Conclusions : Patients with CHD using an internet-based activity prescription with online coaching were more physically active at follow up than those receiving usual care . Use of the CardioFit program could extend the reach of rehabilitation and secondary -prevention services Objective To investigate whether an internet based , nurse led vascular risk factor management programme promoting self management on top of usual care is more effective than usual care alone in reducing vascular risk factors in patients with clinical ly manifest vascular disease . Design Prospect i ve r and omised controlled trial . Setting Multicentre trial in secondary and tertiary healthcare setting . Participants 330 patients with a recent clinical manifestation of atherosclerosis in the coronary , cerebral , or peripheral arteries and with at least two treatable risk factors not at goal . Intervention Personalised website with an overview and actual status of patients ’ risk factors and mail communication via the website with a nurse practitioner for 12 months ; the intervention combined self management support , monitoring of disease control , and drug treatment . Main outcome measures The primary endpoint was the relative change in Framingham heart risk score after 1 year . Secondary endpoints were absolute changes in the levels of risk factors and the differences between groups in the change in proportion of patients reaching treatment goals for each risk factor . Results Participants ’ mean age was 59.9 ( SD 8.4 ) years , and most patients ( n=246 ; 75 % ) were male . After 1 year , the relative change in Framingham heart risk score of the intervention group compared with the usual care group was −14 % ( 95 % confidence interval −25 % to −2 % ) . At baseline , the Framingham heart risk score was higher in the intervention group than in the usual care group ( 16.1 ( SD 10.6 ) v 14.0 ( 10.5 ) ) , so the outcome was adjusted for the separate variables of the Framingham heart risk score and for the baseline Framingham heart risk score . This produced a relative change of −12 % ( −22 % to −3 % ) in Framingham heart risk score for the intervention group compared with the usual care group adjusted for the separate variables of the score and −8 % ( −18 % to 2 % ) adjusted for the baseline score . Of the individual risk factors , a difference between groups was observed in low density lipoprotein cholesterol ( −0.3 , −0.5 to −0.1 , mmol/L ) and smoking ( −7.7 % , −14.9 % to −0.4 % ) . Some other risk factors tended to improve ( body mass index , triglycerides , systolic blood pressure , renal function ) or tended to worsen ( glucose concentration , albuminuria ) . Conclusion An internet based , nurse led treatment programme on top of usual care for vascular risk factors had a small effect on lowering vascular risk and on lowering of some vascular risk factors in patients with vascular disease . Trial registration Clinical trials NCT00785031 Background The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a physical activity telemonitoring program on daily physical activity level , oxygen uptake capacity ( VO2peak ) , and cardiovascular risk profile in coronary artery disease ( CAD ) patients who completed phase II cardiac rehabilitation ( CR ) . Methods Eighty CAD patients who completed phase II CR were r and omly assigned to an additional telemonitoring intervention or st and ard CR . The patients in the intervention group ( n = 40 ) wore a motion sensor continuously for 18 weeks . Each week these patients received a step count goal , with the aim to gradually increase the patients ’ physical activity level . In the control group ( n = 40 ) , the patients wore an unreadable motion sensor for seven days for measurement purpose s only ( at start of follow-up , and after six and 18 weeks ) . At start of follow-up and after 18 weeks blood lipid profile , glycemic control , waist circumference and body mass index was assessed . VO2peak was assessed at start of follow-up , and after six and 18 weeks . Re-hospitalisation rate was followed during this timeframe . Results In the intervention group , VO2peak increased significantly during follow-up ( P = 0.001 ) , in the control group it did not ( P = 0.273 ) . A significant correlation was found between daily aerobic step count and improvement in VO2peak ( P = 0.030 , r = 0.47 ) . Kaplan-Meier curve analysis showed a trend towards fewer re-hospitalisations for patients in the telemonitoring group ( P = 0.09 ) . Conclusions The study showed that , to maintain exercise tolerance and lower re-hospitalisation rate after hospital-based CR in CAD patients , a physical activity telemonitoring program might be an effective intervention Background Angina affects more than 50 million people worldwide . Secondary prevention interventions such as cardiac rehabilitation are not widely available for this population . An Internet-based version could offer a feasible alternative . Objective Our aim was to examine the effectiveness of a Web-based cardiac rehabilitation program for those with angina . Methods We conducted a r and omized controlled trial , recruiting those diagnosed with angina from general practitioners ( GPs ) in primary care to an intervention or control group . Intervention group participants were offered a 6-week Web-based rehabilitation program ( “ ActivateYourHeart ” ) . The program was introduced during a face-to-face appointment and then delivered via the Internet ( no further face-to-face contact ) . The program contained information about the secondary prevention of coronary heart disease ( CHD ) and set each user goals around physical activity , diet , managing emotions , and smoking . Performance against goals was review ed throughout the program and goals were then reset/modified . Participants completed an online  exercise diary and communicated with rehabilitation specialists through an email link/synchronized chat room . Participants in the control group continued with GP treatment as usual , which consisted of being placed on a CHD register and attending an annual review . Outcomes were measured at 6-week and 6-month follow-ups during face-to-face assessment s. The primary outcome measure was change in daily steps at 6 weeks , measured using an accelerometer . Secondary outcome measures were energy expenditure ( EE ) , duration of sedentary activity ( DSA ) , duration of moderate activity ( DMA ) , weight , diastolic/systolic blood pressure , and body fat percentage . Self-assessed question naire outcomes included fat/fiber intake , anxiety/depression , self-efficacy , and quality of life ( QOL ) . Results A total of 94 participants were recruited and r and omized to the intervention ( n=48 ) or the usual care  ( n=46 ) group ; 84 and 73 participants completed the 6-week and 6-month follow-ups , respectively . The mean number of log-ins to the program was 18.68 ( SD 13.13 , range 1 - 51 ) , an average of 3 log-ins per week per participant . Change in daily steps walked at the 6-week follow-up was + 497 ( SD 2171 ) in the intervention group and –861 ( SD 2534 ) in the control group ( 95 % CI 263 - 2451 , P=.02 ) . Significant intervention effects were observed at the 6-week follow-up in EE ( + 43.94 kcal , 95 % CI 43.93 - 309.98 , P=.01 ) , DSA ( –7.79 minutes , 95 % CI –55.01 to –7.01 , P=.01 ) , DMA ( + 6.31 minutes , 95 % CI 6.01 - 51.20 , P=.01 ) , weight ( –0.56 kg , 95 % CI –1.78 to –0.15 , P=.02 ) , self-efficacy ( 95 % CI 0.30 - 4.79 , P=.03 ) , emotional QOL score ( 95 % CI 0.01 - 0.54 , P=.04 ) , and angina frequency ( 95 % CI 8.57 - 35.05 , P=.002 ) . Significant benefits in angina frequency ( 95 % CI 1.89 - 29.41 , P=.02 ) and social QOL score ( 95 % CI 0.05 - 0.54 , P=.02 ) were also observed at the 6-month follow-up . Conclusions An Internet-based secondary prevention intervention could be offered to those with angina . A larger pragmatic trial is required to provide definitive evidence of effectiveness and cost-effectiveness . Trial Registration International St and ard R and omized Controlled Trial Number ( IS RCT N ) : 90110503 ; http://www.controlled-trials.com/IS RCT N90110503/IS RCT N90110503 ( Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6RYVOQFKM ) Background Patients with cardiovascular diseases managed by a person-centered care ( PCC ) approach  have been observed to have better treatment outcomes and satisfaction than with traditional care . eHealth may facilitate the often slow transition to more person-centered health care by increasing patients ’ beliefs in their own capacities ( self-efficacy ) to manage their care trajectory . eHealth is being increasingly used , but most studies continue to focus on health care professionals ’ logic of care . Knowledge is lacking regarding the effects of an eHealth tool on self-efficacy when combined with PCC for patients with chronic heart diseases . Objective The objective of our study was to investigate the effect of an eHealth diary and symptom-tracking tool in combination with PCC for patients with acute coronary syndrome ( ACS ) . Methods This was a sub study of a r and omized controlled trial investigating the effects of PCC in patients hospitalized with ACS . In total , 199 patients with ACS aged < 75 years were r and omly assigned to a PCC intervention ( n=94 ) or st and ard treatment ( control group , n=105 ) and were followed up for 6 months . Patients in the intervention arm could choose to use a Web-based or mobile-based eHealth tool , or both , for at least 2 months after hospital discharge . The primary end point was a composite score of changes in general self-efficacy , return to work or prior activity level , and rehospitalization or death 6 months after discharge . Results Of the 94 patients in the intervention arm , 37 ( 39 % ) used the eHealth tool at least once after the index hospitalization . Most of these ( 24/37 , 65 % ) used the mobile app and not the Web-based app as the primary source of daily self-rating input . Patients used the eHealth tool a mean of 38 times during the first 8 weeks ( range 1–118 , SD 33 ) and 64 times over a 6-month period ( range 1–597 , SD 104 ) . Patients who used the eHealth tool in combination with the PCC intervention had a 4-fold improvement in the primary end point compared with the control group ( odds ratio 4.0 , 95 % CI 1.5–10.5 ; P=.005 ) . This improvement was driven by a significant increase in general self-efficacy compared with the control group ( P=.011 ) . Patients in the PCC group who did not use the eHealth tool ( n=57 ) showed a nonsignificant composite score improvement compared with those in the control group ( n=105 ) ( odds ratio 2.0 , 95 % CI 0.8–5.2 ; P=.14 ) . Conclusions We found a significant effect on improved general self-efficacy and the composite score for patients using an eHealth diary and symptom-tracking tool in combination with PCC compared with traditional care . Trial Registration Swedish registry , Research web.org , ID NR 65 791 Objective Cardiac rehabilitation ( CR ) is pivotal in preventing recurring events of myocardial infa rct ion ( MI ) . This study aims to investigate the effect of a smartphone-based home service delivery ( Care Assessment Platform ) of CR ( CAP-CR ) on  CR  use and health outcomes compared with a traditional , centre-based programme ( TCR ) in post-MI patients . Methods In this unblinded r and omised controlled trial , post-MI patients were r and omised to TCR ( n=60 ; 55.7±10.4 years ) and CAP-CR ( n=60 ; 55.5±9.6 years ) for a 6-week CR and 6-month self-maintenance period . CAP-CR , delivered in participants ’ homes , included health and exercise monitoring , motivational and educational material delivery , and weekly mentoring consultations . CAP-CR uptake , adherence and completion rates were compared with TCR using intention-to-treat analyses . Changes in clinical outcomes ( modifiable lifestyle factors , biomedical risk factors and health-related quality of life ) across baseline , 6 weeks and 6 months were compared within , and between , groups using linear mixed model regression . Results CAP-CR had significantly higher uptake ( 80 % vs 62 % ) , adherence ( 94 % vs 68 % ) and completion ( 80 % vs 47 % ) rates than TCR ( p<0.05 ) . Both groups showed significant improvements in 6-minute walk test from baseline to 6 weeks ( TCR : 537±86–584±99 m ; CAP-CR : 510±77–570±80 m ) , which was maintained at 6 months . CAP-CR  showed slight weight reduction ( 89±20–88±21 kg ) and also demonstrated significant improvements in emotional state ( K10 : median ( IQR ) 14.6 ( 13.4–16.0 ) to 12.6 ( 11.5–13.8 ) ) , and quality of life ( EQ5D-Index : median ( IQR ) 0.84 ( 0.8–0.9 ) to 0.92 ( 0.9–1.0 ) ) at 6 weeks . Conclusions This smartphone-based home care CR programme improved post-MI CR uptake , adherence and completion . The home-based CR programme was as effective in improving physiological and psychological health outcomes  as traditional CR . CAP-CR is a viable option towards optimising use of CR services . Trial registration number ANZCTR12609000251224 The aim of this study was to assess whether our online closed community heart care support group and information re source could sustain changes in health behaviour after the moderators withdrew their support . Heart patients ( n = 108 ) living in a deprived area of Greater Manchester were recruited from general practitioners ' coronary heart disease registries . The sample for this r and omized controlled trial was divided in half at r and om where half of the participants received password-protected access to our health portal and the other half did not . At 6 months follow-up ( based on the moderated phase ) , there was a significant difference between the experimental group and the controls in terms of self-reported diet ( eating bad foods less often ) . This change in behaviour was not sustained during the 3-month unmoderated phase . During this unmoderated phase of the intervention , the experimental group had significantly more health care visits compared with the controls . There was no significant difference between the two phases for either group in terms of exercise , smoking or social support . This study offers insight into the potential implication s for health changes of moderating arrangements for online health communities Background Mobile technology has the potential to deliver behavior change interventions ( mHealth ) to reduce coronary heart disease ( CHD ) at modest cost . Previous studies have focused on single behaviors ; however , cardiac rehabilitation ( CR ) , a component of CHD self-management , needs to address multiple risk factors . Objective The aim was to investigate the effectiveness of a mHealth-delivered comprehensive CR program ( Text4Heart ) to improve adherence to recommended lifestyle behaviors ( smoking cessation , physical activity , healthy diet , and nonharmful alcohol use ) in addition to usual care ( traditional CR ) . Methods A 2-arm , parallel , r and omized controlled trial was conducted in New Zeal and adults diagnosed with CHD . Participants were recruited in-hospital and were encouraged to attend center-based CR ( usual care control ) . In addition , the intervention group received a personalized 24-week mHealth program , framed in social cognitive theory , sent by fully automated daily short message service ( SMS ) text messages and a supporting website . The primary outcome was adherence to healthy lifestyle behaviors measured using a self-reported composite health behavior score ( ≥3 ) at 3 and 6 months . Secondary outcomes included clinical outcomes , medication adherence score , self-efficacy , illness perceptions , and anxiety and /or depression at 6 months . Baseline and 6-month follow-up assessment s ( unblinded ) were conducted in person . Results Eligible patients ( N=123 ) recruited from 2 large metropolitan hospitals were r and omized to the intervention ( n=61 ) or the control ( n=62 ) group . Participants were predominantly male ( 100/123 , 81.3 % ) , New Zeal and European ( 73/123 , 59.3 % ) , with a mean age of 59.5 ( SD 11.1 ) years . A significant treatment effect in favor of the intervention was observed for the primary outcome at 3 months ( AOR 2.55 , 95 % CI 1.12 - 5.84 ; P=.03 ) , but not at 6 months ( AOR 1.93 , 95 % CI 0.83 - 4.53 ; P=.13 ) . The intervention group reported significantly greater medication adherence score ( mean difference : 0.58 , 95 % CI 0.19 - 0.97 ; P=.004 ) . The majority of intervention participants reported reading all their text messages ( 52/61 , 85 % ) . The number of visits to the website per person ranged from zero to 100 ( median 3 ) over the 6-month intervention period . Conclusions A mHealth CR intervention plus usual care showed a positive effect on adherence to multiple lifestyle behavior changes at 3 months in New Zeal and adults with CHD compared to usual care alone . The effect was not sustained to the end of the 6-month intervention . A larger study is needed to determine the size of the effect in the longer term and whether the change in behavior reduces adverse cardiovascular events . Trial Registration ACTRN 12613000901707 ; https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/ Registration /Trial Review .aspx?id=364758&is Review = true ( Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6c4qhcHKt Background Cardiac telerehabilitation has been introduced as an adjunct or alternative to conventional center-based cardiac rehabilitation to increase its long-term effectiveness . However , before large-scale implementation and reimbursement in current health care systems is possible , well- design ed studies on the effectiveness of this new additional treatment strategy are needed . Objective The aim of this trial was to assess the medium-term effectiveness of an Internet-based , comprehensive , and patient-tailored telerehabilitation program with short message service ( SMS ) texting support for cardiac patients . Methods This multicenter r and omized controlled trial consisted of 140 cardiac rehabilitation patients r and omized ( 1:1 ) to a 24-week telerehabilitation program in combination with conventional cardiac rehabilitation ( intervention group ; n=70 ) or to conventional cardiac rehabilitation alone ( control group ; n=70 ) . In the telerehabilitation program , initiated 6 weeks after the start of ambulatory rehabilitation , patients were stimulated to increase physical activity levels . Based on registered activity data , they received semiautomatic telecoaching via email and SMS text message encouraging them to gradually achieve predefined exercise training goals . Patient-specific dietary and /or smoking cessation advice was also provided as part of the telecoaching . The primary endpoint was peak aerobic capacity ( VO2 peak ) . Secondary endpoints included accelerometer-recorded daily step counts , self-assessed physical activities by International Physical Activity Question naire ( IPAQ ) , and health-related quality of life ( HRQL ) assessed by the HeartQol question naire at baseline and at 6 and 24 weeks . Results Mean VO2 peak increased significantly in intervention group patients ( n=69 ) from baseline ( mean 22.46 , SD 0.78 mL/[min*kg ] ) to 24 weeks ( mean 24.46 , SD 1.00 mL/[min*kg ] , P<.01 ) versus control group patients ( n=70 ) , who did not change significantly ( baseline : mean 22.72 , SD 0.74 mL/[min*kg ] ; 24 weeks : mean 22.15 , SD 0.77 mL/[min*kg ] , P=.09 ) . Between-group analysis of aerobic capacity confirmed a significant difference between the intervention group and control group in favor of the intervention group ( P<.001 ) . At 24 weeks , self-reported physical activity improved more in the intervention group compared to the control group ( P=.01 ) as did the global HRQL score ( P=.01 ) . Conclusions This study showed that an additional 6-month patient-specific , comprehensive telerehabilitation program can lead to a bigger improvement in both physical fitness ( VO2 peak ) and associated HRQL compared to center-based cardiac rehabilitation alone . These results are supportive in view of possible future implementation in st and ard cardiac care IMPORTANCE Cardiovascular disease prevention , including lifestyle modification , is important but underutilized . Mobile health strategies could address this gap but lack evidence of therapeutic benefit . OBJECTIVE To examine the effect of a lifestyle-focused semipersonalized support program delivered by mobile phone text message on cardiovascular risk factors . DESIGN AND SETTING The Tobacco , Exercise and Diet Messages ( TEXT ME ) trial was a parallel-group , single-blind , r and omized clinical trial that recruited 710 patients ( mean age , 58 [ SD , 9.2 ] years ; 82 % men ; 53 % current smokers ) with proven coronary heart disease ( prior myocardial infa rct ion or proven angiographically ) between September 2011 and November 2013 from a large tertiary hospital in Sydney , Australia . INTERVENTIONS Patients in the intervention group ( n = 352 ) received 4 text messages per week for 6 months in addition to usual care . Text messages provided advice , motivational reminders , and support to change lifestyle behaviors . Patients in the control group ( n=358 ) received usual care . Messages for each participant were selected from a bank of messages according to baseline characteristics ( eg , smoking ) and delivered via an automated computerized message management system . The program was not interactive . MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The primary end point was low-density lipoprotein cholesterol ( LDL-C ) level at 6 months . Secondary end points included systolic blood pressure , body mass index ( BMI ) , physical activity , and smoking status . RESULTS At 6 months , levels of LDL-C were significantly lower in intervention participants , with concurrent reductions in systolic blood pressure and BMI , significant increases in physical activity , and a significant reduction in smoking . The majority reported the text messages to be useful ( 91 % ) , easy to underst and ( 97 % ) , and appropriate in frequency ( 86 % ) . [ table : see text ] . CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Among patients with coronary heart disease , the use of a lifestyle-focused text messaging service compared with usual care result ed in a modest improvement in LDL-C level and greater improvement in other cardiovascular disease risk factors . The duration of these effects and hence whether they result in improved clinical outcomes remain to be determined . TRIAL REGISTRATION anzctr.org.au Identifier : ACTRN12611000161921 Background : Medication non-adherence leads to a vast range of negative outcomes in patients with coronary artery disease . An automated web-based system managing short message service ( SMS ) reminders is a telemedicine approach to optimise adherence among patients who frequently forget to take their medications or miss the timing . Aim : This paper sought to investigate the effect of automated SMS-based reminders on medication adherence in patients after hospital discharge following acute coronary syndrome ( ACS ) . Methods : An interventional study was conducted at a tertiary teaching hospital in Malaysia . A total of 62 patients with ACS were equally r and omised to receive either automated SMS reminders before every intake of cardiac medications or only usual care within eight weeks after discharge . The primary outcome was adherence to cardiac medications . Secondary outcomes were the heart functional status , and ACS-related hospital readmission and death rates . Results : There was a higher medication adherence level in the intervention group rather than the usual care group , ( χ2 (2)=18.614 , p<0.001 ) . The risk of being low adherent among the control group was 4.09 times greater than the intervention group ( relative risk = 4.09 , 95 % confidence interval ( CI ) 1.82–9.18 ) . A meaningful difference was found in heart functional status between the two study groups with better results among patients who received SMS reminders , ( χ2 ( 1 ) = 16.957 , p<0.001 ) . Conclusion : An automated SMS-based reminder system can potentially enhance medication adherence in ACS patients during the early post-discharge period Background Mobile phone text message interventions are used to support behaviour change including physical activity , but we have less insight into how these interventions work and what factors predict response . Aims To study the effect of TEXT ME ( Tobacco EXercise and dieT Messages ) text message intervention on physical activity domains , consistency of effects across sub-groups and its additive value in patients that received traditional cardiac rehabilitation programme . Methods This is a secondary analysis of the TEXT ME , a r and omized clinical trial of lifestyle-focused text message intervention compared with usual care in patients with coronary heart disease . A quarter of the messages were design ed specifically to encourage physical activity . Sedentary time and physical activity were assessed using the Global Physical Activity Question naire . Results At baseline , 85 % of the 710 participants reported low physical activity levels . At six months , compared with controls , the intervention arm reported higher recreational physical activity ( 471 vs. 307 metabolic equivalent-min/week , p = 0.001 ) and travel physical activity ( 230 vs. 128 MET-min/week , p = 0.002 ) , similar work-related physical activity and lower sedentary times ( 494 vs. 587 min , p < 0.001 ) . Male gender , high baseline physical activity , cardiac rehabilitation participation and text message intervention predicted physically active status at six months . Subjects that received both cardiac rehabilitation and text messaging intervention were more likely to achieve target physical activity levels compared with cardiac rehabilitation alone ( odds ratio 7.07 vs. 1.80 , p < 0.001 ) . Conclusions The TEXT ME intervention improved recreational and travel physical activity , reduced sedentary times but had no effects on work-related physical activity . It had incremental benefits at achieving target physical activity levels even in patients participating in the traditional cardiac rehabilitation programme BACKGROUND Patients with myocardial infa rct ion ( MI ) seldom reach recommended targets for secondary prevention . This study evaluated a smartphone application ( " app " ) aim ed at improving treatment adherence and cardiovascular lifestyle in MI patients . DESIGN Multicenter , r and omized trial . METHODS A total of 174 ticagrelor-treated MI patients were r and omized to either an interactive patient support tool ( active group ) or a simplified tool ( control group ) in addition to usual post-MI care . Primary end point was a composite nonadherence score measuring patient-registered ticagrelor adherence , defined as a combination of adherence failure events ( 2 missed doses registered in 7-day cycles ) and treatment gaps ( 4 consecutive missed doses ) . Secondary end points included change in cardiovascular risk factors , quality of life ( European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions ) , and patient device satisfaction ( System Usability Scale ) . RESULTS Patient mean age was 58 years , 81 % were men , and 21 % were current smokers . At 6 months , greater patient-registered drug adherence was achieved in the active vs the control group ( nonadherence score : 16.6 vs 22.8 [ P = .025 ] ) . Numerically , the active group was associated with higher degree of smoking cessation , increased physical activity , and change in quality of life ; however , this did not reach statistical significance . Patient satisfaction was significantly higher in the active vs the control group ( system usability score : 87.3 vs 78.1 [ P = .001 ] ) . CONCLUSIONS In MI patients , use of an interactive patient support tool improved patient self-reported drug adherence and may be associated with a trend toward improved cardiovascular lifestyle changes and quality of life . Use of a disease-specific interactive patient support tool may be an appreciated , simple , and promising complement to st and ard secondary prevention Cardiac rehabilitation ( CR ) is essential for secondary prevention , yet only 10%-30 % of eligible patients attend as geographical proximity is a major barrier . We evaluated a ' virtual ' CR program ( vCRP ) delivered by the Internet to patients in small urban and rural areas . In our study , in- patients ( n=78 ) with acute coronary syndrome or post-revascularization were r and omized to usual care ( UC ) or vCRP . The vCRP was a four-month program that included heart rate monitoring ; physiologic data capture ; education sessions ; ask-an-expert sessions ; and chat sessions with a nurse , exercise specialist and dietitian . Participants were assessed at baseline and four months , and followed for another 12 months . The primary outcome was change in maximal time on the treadmill stress test ( MTT ) between groups adjusted for age , sex , diabetes status and Internet use for health information . The vCRP result ed in a greater increase in MTT by 45.7 seconds ( 95 % CI : 1.0 , 90.5 ) compared to usual care ( p=0.045 ) . Cholesterol levels and dietary quality improved in the vCRP compared to the UC group . Participants perceived the vCRP to be an accessible , convenient and effective way to received healthcare . Eleven ( 30 % ) and 6 ( 18 % ) participants in the UC and vCRP groups , respectively , had cardiovascular-related events ( p=0.275 ) . In conclusion , the vCRP was safe and effective and result ed in sustainable risk reduction without the requirement of face-to-face visits and directly monitored exercise Abstract Purpose : To analyse the effect of a six-month home-based phase III cardiac rehabilitation ( CR ) specific exercise program , performed in a virtual reality ( Kinect ) or conventional ( booklet ) environment , on executive function , quality of life and depression , anxiety and stress of subjects with coronary artery disease . Methods : A r and omized controlled trial was conducted with subjects , who had completed phase II , r and omly assigned to intervention group 1 ( IG1 )  , whose program encompassed the use of Kinect  ( n = 11 ) ; or intervention group 2 ( IG2 )  , a paper booklet ( n = 11 ) ; or a control group ( CG )  , only subjected to the usual care  ( n = 11 ) . The three groups received education on cardiovascular risk factors . The assessed parameters , at baseline ( M0 ) , 3 ( M1 ) and 6 months ( M2 ) , were executive function , control and integration in the implementation of an adequate behaviour in relation to a certain objective , specifically the ability to switch information ( Trail Making Test ) , working memory ( Verbal Digit Span test ) , and selective attention and conflict resolution ability ( Stroop test ) , quality of life ( MacNew question naire ) and depression , anxiety and stress ( Depression , Anxiety and Stress Scale 21 ) . Descriptive and inferential statistical measures were used , significance level was set at .05 . Results : The IG1 revealed significant improvements , in the selective attention and conflict resolution ability , in comparison with the CG in the variable difference M0 − M2 ( p = .021 ) and in comparison with the IG2 in the variable difference M1 − M2 and M0 − M2 ( p = .001 and p = .002 , respectively ) . No significant differences were found in the quality of life , and depression , anxiety and stress . Conclusions : The virtual reality format had improved selective attention and conflict resolution ability , revealing the potential of CR , specifically with virtual reality exercise , on executive function . Implication s for Rehabilitation In cardiac rehabilitation , especially in phase III , it is important to develop and to present alternative strategies , as virtual reality using the Kinect in a home context . Taking into account the relationship between the improvement of the executive function with physical exercise , it is relevant to access the impact of a cardiac rehabilitation program on the executive function . Enhancing the value of the phase III of cardiac rehabilitation Background Digital health interventions ( DHI ) have been shown to improve intermediates of cardiovascular health , but their impact on cardiovascular ( CV ) outcomes has not been fully explored . The aim of this study was to determine whether DHI administered during cardiac rehabilitation ( CR ) would reduce CV‐related emergency department ( ED ) visits and rehospitalizations in patients after percutaneous coronary intervention ( PCI ) for acute coronary syndrome ( ACS ) . Methods We r and omized patients undergoing CR following ACS and PCI to st and ard CR ( n = 40 ) or CR + DHI ( n = 40 ) for 3 months with 3 patients withdrawing from CR prior to initiation in the treatment arm and 6 in the control group . The DHI incorporated an online and smartphone‐based CR platform asking the patients to report of dietary and exercise habits throughout CR as well as educational information toward patients ' healthy lifestyles . We obtained data regarding ED visits and rehospitalizations at 180 days , as well as other metrics of secondary CV prevention at baseline and 90 days . Results Baseline demographics were similar between the groups . The DHI + CR group had improved weight loss compared to the control group ( −5.1 ± 6.5 kg vs. −0.8 ± 3.8 kg , respectively , P = .02 ) . Those in the DHI + CR group also showed a non‐significant reduction in CV‐related rehospitalizations plus ED visits compared to the control group at 180 days ( 8.1 % vs 26.6 % ; RR 0.30 , 95 % CI 0.08‐1.10 , P = .054 ) . Conclusions The current study demonstrated that complementary DHI  significantly improves weight loss , and might offer a method to reduce CV‐related ED visits plus rehospitalizations in patients after ACS undergoing CR . The study suggests a role for DHI as an adjunct to CR to improve secondary prevention of CV disease . Trial registration This trial is registered at clinical trials.gov ( NCT01883050 ) OBJECTIVE Pharmacologic treatment for secondary prevention of coronary heart disease ( CHD ) is critical to prevent adverse clinical outcomes . In a r and omized controlled trial , we compared antiplatelet and statin adherence among patients with CHD who received : ( 1 ) text messages ( TM ) for medication reminders and education , ( 2 ) educational TM only , or ( 3 ) No TM .  METHODS A mobile health intervention delivered customized TM for 30 days . We assessed and analyzed medication adherence with electronic monitoring devices [ Medication Event Monitoring System ( MEMS ) ] by one-way ANOVA and Welch tests , two-way TM response rates by t-tests , and self-reported adherence ( Morisky Medication Adherence Scale ) by Repeated Measures ANOVA . RESULTS Among 90 patients ( 76 % male , mean age 59.2 years ) , MEMS revealed patients who received TM for antiplatelets had a higher percentage of correct doses taken ( p=0.02 ) , percentage number of doses taken ( p=0.01 ) , and percentage of prescribed doses taken on schedule ( p=0.01 ) .  TM response rates were higher for antiplatelets than statins ( p=0.005 ) . Self-reported adherence revealed no significant differences among groups . CONCLUSION TM increased adherence to antiplatelet therapy demonstrated by MEMS and TM responses . PRACTICE IMPLICATION S Feasibility and high satisfaction were established . Mobile health interventions show promise in promoting medication adherence PURPOSE Despite demonstrated benefits of cardiac rehabilitation and risk factor reduction , only 11 % to 38 % of eligible patients with cardiovascular disease ( CVD ) participate in cardiac rehabilitation programs .  Women and older adults are particularly less likely to participate in cardiac rehabilitation . In an effort to broaden access to cardiac rehabilitation , the authors developed an alternative Internet-based program that allows nurse case managers to provide risk factor management training , risk factor education , and monitoring services to patients with CVD . METHODS The evaluation consisted of a r and omized , clinical trial involving 104 patients with CVD , 53 of whom used the program as a special intervention ( SI ) for 6 months and 51 of whom received usual care ( UC ) .  RESULTS The results indicate that fewer cardiovascular events occurred among the SI subjects ( 15.7 % ) than among the UC subjects ( 4.1 % ) ( P = .053 ) , result ing in a gross cost savings of $ 1418 US dollars per patient . With a projected program cost of $ 453 USD per patient , the return on investment is estimated at 213 % . More weight loss occurred in the SI group ( -3.68 pounds ) than in the UC group ( + .47 pounds ) ( P = .003 ) . The differences between the two groups in terms of blood pressure , lipid levels , depression scores , minutes of exercise , and dietary habits were not statistically significant . CONCLUSION An Internet-based case management system could be used as a cost-effective intervention for patients with CVD , either independently or in conjunction with traditional cardiac rehabilitation PURPOSE : Efficient ways are needed to implement the secondary prevention ( SP ) of coronary heart disease . Because few studies have investigated Web-based SP programs , our aim was to determine the usefulness of a new Web-based telemonitoring system , connecting patients provided with self-measurement devices and care managers via mobile phone text messages , as a tool for SP . METHODS : A single-blind , r and omized controlled , clinical trial of 203 acute coronary syndrome ( ACS ) survivors , was conducted at a hospital in Madrid , Spain . All patients received lifestyle counseling and usual-care treatment . Patients in the telemonitoring group ( TMG ) sent , through mobile phones , weight , heart rate , and blood pressure ( BP ) weekly , and capillary plasma lipid profile and glucose monthly . A cardiologist accessed these data through a Web interface and sent recommendations via short message service . Main outcome measures were BP , body mass index ( BMI ) , smoking status , low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol ( LDL-c ) , and glycated hemoglobin A1c ( HbA1c ) . RESULTS : At 12-month followup , TMG patients were more likely ( RR = 1.4 ; 95 % CI = 1.1−1.7 ) to experience improvement in cardiovascular risk factors profile than control patients ( 69.6 % vs 50.5 % , P = .010 ) . More TMG patients achieved treatment goals for BP ( 62.1 % vs 42.9 % , P = .012 ) and HbA1c ( 86.4 % vs 54.2 % , P = .018 ) , with no differences in smoking cessation or LDL-c . Body mass index was significantly lower in TMG ( −0.77 kg/m2 vs + 0.29 kg/m2 , P = .005 ) . CONCLUSIONS : A telemonitoring program , via mobile phone messages , appears to be useful for improving the risk profile in ACS survivors and can be an effective tool for secondary prevention , especially for overweight patients Objective : Medication adherence is a complex behavior that is influenced by numerous factors . Applying self-efficacy theory , the primary aim of this r and omized controlled trial was to compare medication self-efficacy among patients with coronary heart disease who received : ( a ) text messages ( TMs ) for medication reminders and education , ( b ) TMs for education , or ( c ) no TMs .  The second aim was to identify the personal ( sociodemographic and clinical characteristics ) and psychosocial factors that were associated with and predicted medication adherence . Methods : Customized TMs were delivered over 30 days . Repeated measures analysis of variance was used to analyze medication self-efficacy . A multiple regression analysis was performed at baseline and follow-up to determine variables that were associated with and predicted self-reported medication adherence . Results : Among 90 subjects with mean age 59.2 years ( st and ard deviation ( SD ) 9.4 , range 35–83 ) , total scores for medication self-efficacy improved over 30 days ; however , there was no significant difference in this improvement as a function of the different treatment groups ( p=0.64 ) . Controlling for other variables in the model ( age , education , depression , and social support ) , less depression ( p=0.004 ) and higher social support ( p=0.02 ) positively predicted higher medication adherence in the final model . Conclusions : TM medication reminders and /or health education did not improve medication self-efficacy . Further theory testing of current and future models and interventions are required to underst and variables related to self-efficacy and medication adherence . Addressing psychosocial factors such as depression and social support should be a priority to improve medication adherence among patients with coronary heart disease
target: The m-Health programmes reported positive effects on adherence to medication .
  Conclusion Evidence exists that supports the use of e-Health interventions for improving secondary prevention of CAD .
  However , a comparison across studies highlighted a wide variability of components and outcomes within the different modes of delivery .
background: Background Electronic health ( e-Health ) interventions are emerging as an effective alternative model for improving secondary prevention of coronary artery disease ( CAD ) .
  The aim of this study was to describe the effectiveness of different modes of delivery and components in e-Health secondary prevention programmes on adherence to treatment , modifiable CAD risk factors and psychosocial outcomes for patients with CAD .