Risk factor and body mass index control in patients with high cardiovascular risk receiving telemedicine care

Abstract

Telemedicine is increasingly used in the world to support people at high cardiovascular risk, but it has been unclear if these interventions in Vietnam are effective at improving cardiovascular risk. This study aims to evaluate the outcomes of controlling cardiovascular risk factors and body mass index in high-risk patients using telemedicine solutions. A total of 112 patients were divided into two groups: The intervention group received one consultation and telephone support over three months, while the control group received only one consultation. Results showed that the average age was 56.8±6.8 years, with 69% being female. After 12 months, the intervention group showed greater reductions than the control group in weight (-1.232 kg; p<0.001), waist circumference (-0.789 cm; p=0.02), body mass index (BMI) (-0.398 kg/m²; p<0.001), diastolic blood pressure (-1.233 mmHg; p=0.03), total cholesterol (-0.196 mmol/l; p=0.02), and low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (-0.165 mmol/l; p=0.005). Therefore, in older people with high cardiovascular risk, the addition of telemedicine solutions over a period of three months resulted in significant improvements in cardiovascular risk factors. These improvements persisted after a year, demonstrating the effectiveness of telemedicine.