Chronic diseases • Elfie
Chronic diseases
One adult out of two lives with, and dies because of chronic disease, losing 10+ years of life.
Alarming numbers across the world
Hypertension, diabetes, cholesterol, dyslipidemia, cancer, angina, heart failure, COPD... are the true pandemic. Their prevalence is growing.
3.4B+
Chronic patients
It is the largest pandemic, affecting 1 out of 2 adults worldwide
40M+
Deaths each year
It is the main cause of strokes and heart attacks
570B+
Global costs
The direct and indirect costs are a huge burden to societies
”Thanks to medications, we can reduce the cardiovascular risks to a normal level”
Dr. Audes Feitosa
Cardiologist
Incurable but very well treated
As of today, hypertension cannot be cured. It is a chronic disease that one has to manage for the rest of one's life. However, if detected early, it can be “controlled” (i.e. lowered to the right level) by taking your drugs every day, by self-monitoring, and by remaining active. A “controlled” patient may have the same life expectancy as a non-hypertensive person.
A big gap in health communication
Only 20% of hypertensive patients are controlled due to lack of awareness and low medication adherence.
Awareness gap
Fewer than 50% of hypertensive patients are ever diagnosed.
Silent killer
Hypertension usually has no symptom until too late.
Self-monitoring
Patients should measure their blood pressure at home but don’t.
Adherence
Fewer than 50% of patients continue their treatment after the first year.
”High blood pressure accounts for 12% of all visits to GPs and it is increasing.”
Health Security Agency
UK Government
A burden for public payers and businesses
Hypertension's direct costs to public and private payers amount to $60 billion per year. However productivity costs are much more worrying: absence, disabilities and loss of life years cost north of $310 billion a year to the community, rich and poor alike.
Health authorities recommend digital applications
The new guidelines from the International Society of Hypertension recommend the use of digital support and coaching to increase adherence.
Digital pillbox
Intake and refill reminders play a great part.
Mobile applications
mHealth apps have a proven impact on BP control.
Coaching
Patients should receive human support to remain engaged.
Coordination
A better coordination between payers and doctors is needed.