Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains a leading cause of death in most European countries, and
new strategies for prevention are urgently needed.
Previous studies on primary and secondary prevention have shown that lifestyle interventions
can affect risk factors for CVD and reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Many
prevention programmes are, however, time-limited and fail to provide continuous support. They
also require substantial costs and healthcare resources. Furthermore, accessibility to
primary and secondary cardiac prevention programmes is highly variable, as is long-term
adherence to lifestyle advice.
In light of this, international associations have emphasized the need for innovative,
scalable and cost-effective lifestyle interventions that could be integrated into
pre-existing healthcare structures. Digital tools have large potential for clinical utility,
but there are several important knowledge gaps. First, data on long-term efficacy is scarce.
Second, most studies to date have included only small number of individuals, and there is a
need for large randomized controlled studies. Third, cost-effectiveness remains to be
demonstrated.
The objective or this study is to evaluate a new web-based tool, developed at the University
Gothenburg, Sweden, that aims to support patient autonomy and motivation to make sustainable
lifestyle changes.
In individuals who have previously suffered from a myocardial infarction the investigators
will test the hypothesis that those who access to the tool have lower incidence of further
major cardiovascular events (MACE) compared with control individuals.
The study is an investigator-initiated single-center study conducted over three years.
The tool is web-based and used via a computer or mobile phone. It is used at each
individual's preferred pace but participants are recommended to login at least every other
week. Every round the participants choose a themes (out of appr. 80 possible covering e.g.
food, exercise, stress, self-reflection aspects), which takes appr. 15-30 minutes to
complete. Participants then reflect on the content and how it could be implemented in daily
life. When returning for next round participants are asked to reflect on any changes done
since last time.