Current status and future prospects of Chinese mobile apps for hypertension management

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the current situation of Chinese mobile apps for hypertension management and explore patients’ real requirements for app use, providing a theoretical basis for the future improvement of hypertension apps. Methods: We reviewed hypertension management apps from mobile app platforms, and summarized their functional characteristics. In addition, we conducted an online survey among 1000 hypertensive patients, collected valid responses, and analyzed the feedback data. Results: Forty hypertension management apps were analyzed, with 72.5% offering no more than six functions, indicating limited coverage of advanced and comprehensive functionalities. Among the 934 valid survey responses, patients emphasized four main functions in apps for hypertension management: long-term dynamic blood pressure monitoring, scientific lifestyle management, strict medication management and systematic health knowledge delivering. Conclusion: The existing hypertension management apps mainly serve as “Digital Health” tools with unclear clinical efficacy. The future development of these apps lies in how they transition to “Digital Therapeutics” solutions to better meet patients' needs and provide clear clinical advantages.