#Japan #Toyama #Curecode #Mie University #HeartSign

Enhanced HeartSign App

CureCode, a company dedicated to developing applications and systems in the healthcare sector, in collaboration with Mie University, has announced the launch of an enhanced version of their smartphone application, HeartSign. This app caters specifically to patients suffering from heart disease and heart failure, and will now initiate a new clinical trial named Ex-SMART.

Since 2022, HeartSign has been actively validating its effectiveness in early detection of worsening heart failure, reducing re-hospitalization rates, and improving exercise tolerance through clinical trials focused on symptomatic heart failure and myocardial infarction patients. The Ex-SMART trial aims to enhance health awareness and behavioral changes as it targets patients in the early stages of heart failure, specifically those with hypertension.

Background of the Research

Heart failure has become a growing global concern, often referred to as the 'heart failure pandemic.' It significantly impacts not only individual health and medical care but also strains healthcare costs, including nursing care. Additionally, heart failure is a progressive disease that transitions from stages presenting risks like hypertension and diabetes to more severe manifestations involving myocardial infarction and symptomatic heart failure. Patients often experience repeated hospitalizations, leading to a decline in physical capabilities and quality of life. Preventing and identifying symptoms early is crucial, as many patients do not fully recover.

For a long time, patients have utilized paper-based health records to track their vital data, which has proven to be less convenient and sustainable. To address these challenges, Mie University’s Cardiovascular Medicine department and CureCode jointly developed the personal health record (PHR) app, HeartSign. It automatically assesses health risks based on input metrics such as blood pressure, heart rate, and weight, urging timely medical consultations to prevent exacerbation or emergency hospitalizations. These health records can be reviewed by healthcare professionals, subsequently aiding in outpatient care and rehabilitation.

In response to the growing need for managing lifestyle diseases, notably hypertension—a major risk factor for heart disease and heart failure—the app has undergone significant redesign and feature enhancements.

Key Points of the Update

Comprehensive Design Overhaul

The entire app design, including the logo and icon, has been completely revamped. A friendly character has been introduced to make the app more relatable. This new design aims to provide a more intuitive and user-friendly interface, improving user experience for daily health management.

New Features for Hypertension Patients

1. Risk Assessment and Messaging: The app previously offered risk evaluations (red sign, yellow sign, normal sign) based on daily measurement data. The new updates align with hypertension treatment guidelines, delivering lifestyle advice via in-app messages.

2. Heart Care Quiz Content: HeartSign now features educational content in a quiz format, allowing users to learn about hypertension and heart failure conveniently. Supervised by medical professionals, the quizzes and articles cover important lifestyle considerations and accurate disease knowledge, enhancing disease understanding and self-management skills.

3. Blood Pressure Trend Monitoring: Users can visually track their recorded data through graphs, making it easier to understand their health status. Features enabling automatic summarization of monthly data are also introduced to facilitate communication with healthcare professionals.

Medical Insights

Professor Kaoru Doi, the leading researcher from Mie University’s Graduate School of Medicine, emphasizes, “Hypertension is a significant risk factor for heart failure and myocardial infarction. Our research utilizing the HeartSign app aims to support daily blood pressure management and lifestyle improvements, examining new possibilities for self-health management through accessible digital tools.”

Designer's Perspective

Katsuaki Sakamoto, Creative Director at Case Study, designed the HeartSign logo to reflect a fusion of technology and daily health support. The gradation from green to blue signifies medical knowledge, while orange to red symbolizes vitality, showing a harmonious blend representing life and health.

Future Outlook

This research is part of an AMED project, building on previous Phase 1 (focused on heart failure patients) and Phase 2 (focusing on myocardial infarction patients). The objectives of the final phase include establishing the efficacy and evidence of HeartSign, enhancing features, and promoting widespread usage. The goal is to engage more patients and individuals aiming to maintain and improve their health, collaborating with medical institutions and community organizations to contribute to higher quality of life and societal health.

For more information on the AMED project, visit: AMED Project

The HeartSign app is currently in clinical research and is accessible only to participants who have consented to partake in the study. Ongoing research, development, and improvements aim to make the app available for the general public in the future.

About CureCode

Founded in 2011, CureCode is an IT venture specializing in health technology, focusing on healthcare, nursing, and health applications and systems. The company is involved in research, planning, design, operation management, and customer support, promoting collaboration between local governments and research institutions.