Employer Digital Heart Health Program Linked to Significant Cost Savings, Study Finds
A recent study published in the esteemed health economics journal Value in Health reveals significant annual cost savings for employers offering the digital health program Hello Heart as a benefit. This study is one of the largest peer-reviewed evaluations demonstrating real-world financial outcomes for employers who provide a digital chronic condition self-management program.
The research, conducted between February 2018 and September 2023, examined 7,112 Hello Heart participants from 14 employers, comparing them to a matched cohort of 7,112 non-participants. The findings showed that employers who provided Hello Heart experienced annual cost savings of $1,709 per participant compared to those who did not engage in the program.
The cost savings were consistent across different demographics, including sex and employer type. However, older participants showed even greater savings. Additionally, participants in the Hello Heart program utilized significantly fewer healthcare services, with a 47% reduction in the number of inpatient days. This suggests that the program is effective in improving chronic disease management, preventing costly acute care episodes, and reducing overall healthcare utilization.
The study also revealed significant health improvements among participants, particularly in terms of blood pressure (BP). After six months in the Hello Heart program, high-risk participants experienced dramatic reductions in BP. For those with Stage II hypertension (with a baseline systolic BP of 140 mm Hg or higher; n=1,243), the average reduction in systolic BP was 16 mm Hg, and diastolic BP decreased by 11 mm Hg. However, BP improvements were observed across all baseline BP ranges, demonstrating the program’s broad effectiveness in lowering BP and reducing the risk of heart disease.
“Hello Heart’s connected monitor and mobile app do far more than just track data,” said Dr. Edo Paz, SVP of Medical Affairs at Hello Heart and a co-author of the study. “With personalized, AI-driven coaching, we help individuals understand their cardiac risks and reduce those risks through simple lifestyle and medication changes. A growing body of medical research shows that our program is not only improving health but also delivering meaningful cost savings for employers who offer it to their employees.”
Hello Heart has gained widespread recognition for its ability to empower individuals in managing their heart health. The platform combines a connected heart monitor with a mobile app, providing real-time insights and helping users track vital health metrics like blood pressure, cholesterol, and weight. Through this tool, users are able to make informed decisions to reduce their risk of heart attacks and strokes, the leading causes of death in the United States.
The study highlights that Hello Heart has proven especially effective for high-risk individuals, resulting in meaningful health improvements and substantial cost savings. With a growing body of evidence supporting its benefits, the program has become a trusted solution for many employers, health plans, and organizations aiming to improve employee health while reducing overall healthcare expenditures.
HR leaders, benefit managers, and health plan administrators interested in learning more about Hello Heart can visit the company’s website at helloheart.com/employers.
About Hello Heart
Hello Heart is dedicated to changing the way people manage their heart health. The company provides a groundbreaking app and connected heart monitor that helps individuals track and manage their heart health by offering real-time insights. This platform allows users to take proactive steps to reduce their risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Peer-reviewed studies have demonstrated that high-risk users of Hello Heart see significant drops in blood pressure, cholesterol, and even weight, highlighting the effectiveness of the program in improving cardiovascular health. Trusted by over 130 leading employers, including Fortune 500 companies like 3M, Lenovo, and Northwestern Mutual, as well as government entities and labor organizations, Hello Heart has been proven to save employers an average of $1,709 per enrolled user annually.
Founded in 2013, Hello Heart has raised over $138 million from leading venture firms, including Khosla Ventures, IVP, and Stripes. The company is a recognized leader in preventive heart health, featured in platforms such as the American Heart Association’s Innovators’ Network and CVS Health Point Solutions Management.
By providing an innovative, data-driven solution to heart health management, Hello Heart is making a significant impact on both individual health outcomes and organizational cost savings. The company’s ongoing commitment to improving cardiovascular care continues to position it as a leader in digital health solutions for heart health.
