Cardiovascular Trials in the Digital Age: Wearables and Remote Monitoring

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) stand as the foremost global cause of mortality, claiming an estimated 17.9 million lives in 2019 , constituting 32% of all deaths worldwide. Alarmingly, over three-quarters of CVD-related deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries.

 Despite existing therapies alleviating CVD’s symptoms to an extent, there remains a pressing need for innovative therapeutic approaches that can effectively treat or potentially cure CVDs. Ultimately, global efforts now prioritize investing in advanced technologies for CVD therapeutics; which have transformed the CVD research landscape.

 Among many of the technologies introduced, wearable and implantable cardiac devices are revolutionizing cardiovascular diagnostics, allowing healthcare providers to remotely monitor disease dynamics. Also, have dragged clinical researchers to utilize them to conduct clinical trials.

 Smart wearables, like smartwatches, rings, and wristbands, are consumer-grade electronic devices with high processing power and advanced sensors. A study reports around 20% of US residents currently own a smart wearable, and the global market is projected to surge at a compound annual growth rate of 25%, reaching its substantial share of US$70 billion by 2025.

 How can they be utilized in Cardiovascular Clinical Trials ?

1. Patient Monitoring

These wearables are equipped with sensors that can track various parameters, including heart rate, blood pressure, physical activity, and sleep patterns. For cardiovascular trials, this continuous stream of data offers a more comprehensive and accurate representation of a patient’s health status, enabling researchers to detect subtle changes and trends that may be crucial for the study.

2. Improved Patient Engagement and Adherence

Patients become active participants in their healthcare, motivated by the ability to track their own progress and contribute to scientific advancements. Real-time monitoring also allows for immediate feedback to both patients and healthcare providers, facilitating timely interventions and adjustments to treatment plans. This dynamic interaction enhances patient satisfaction and adherence to trial protocols, ultimately leading to more robust and reliable data.

3. Remote Monitoring: Breaking Geographical Barriers

Remote monitoring enables researchers to collect data from participants in their natural environments, reducing the impact of confounding variables associated with clinic-based observations. This approach enhances the ecological validity of the study, providing a more realistic understanding of how interventions affect patients in their daily lives. Also, patients no longer need to travel long distances to participate in a study, making trials more accessible and inclusive.

Challenges and Considerations

Issues such as data security, device accuracy, and patient privacy need careful attention to ensure the reliability and integrity of the collected data. Additionally, the digital divide may pose challenges for certain demographic groups, necessitating strategies to address disparities in access to technology.

 Encouraging wearable technology adoption among the elderly is challenging, and compliance is lower, posing difficulties in implementing these measures, especially for those with neurocognitive disorders and visual/hearing impairments.

 While challenges exist, the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks, positioning cardiovascular trials at the forefront of innovation in the healthcare landscape. Embracing these advancements will undoubtedly pave the way for more efficient, inclusive, and impactful cardiovascular research in the years to come.