Effectiveness of Telemedicine for Reducing Cardiovascular Risk: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death globally. There are six cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs): diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, overweight, sedentary lifestyle, and smoking. Because healthy people at risk attend health systems infrequently, telemedicine may influence adoption of heart-healthy lifestyles. Objective: To determine the effectiveness of telemedicine and e-health in reducing cardiovascular risk. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (2017–2022) using PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, and Web of Science assessed telemedicine interventions targeting CVRFs. Methodological quality was evaluated with the PEDro scale. Results: Of 763 records, 28 studies met inclusion criteria: 13 on diabetes, 6 on hypertension, 7 on obesity, and 2 on physical activity. Across risk factors, telemedicine showed a small effect overall. Conclusions: Despite heterogeneous evidence regarding statistical significance across CVRFs, telemedicine’s clinical relevance is clear; its use is recommended when adequate infrastructure exists.

Jesús Jaén-Extremera, Diego Fernando Afanador-Restrepo, Yulieth Rivas-Campo, Alejandro Gómez-Rodas, Agustín Aibar-Almazán, Fidel Hita-Contreras, María Del Carmen Carcelén-Fraile, Yolanda Castellote-Caballero, Raúl Ortiz-Quesada