Cardiac rehabilitation is a basic of recovery for patients with heart disease, but traditional programmes often fall short in reaching everyone who could benefit. Women, younger individuals, and people from minority backgrounds are particularly underrepresented. To address these gaps, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has conditionally recommended six digital platforms that could transform how cardiac care is delivered in the NHS.
The technologies, such as Activate Your Heart, D REACH-HF, Digital Heart Manual, Gro Health HeartBuddy, KiActiv, and myHEART, can combine exercise programmes with education on cardiovascular disease, dietary guidance, medication support, and even psychological care. Some platforms also integrate wearables, enabling activity tracking and personalised feedback.
This shift reflects a growing recognition of digital health as a powerful tool for personalised care. Patients will be able to complete rehabilitation sessions at home, adapting them to their daily routines and circumstances, while still being guided by evidence-based protocols. Importantly, NHS healthcare professionals will assess each patient to ensure digital rehabilitation is appropriate, acknowledging that not all patients will be suited to these technologies.
NICE has approved a three-year evidence generation period, during which data on the long-term effectiveness of these tools will be collected. Early results are promising, but this phase will be critical to determine whether they should become a permanent feature of cardiac care.
The guidance also stresses the need for tailored support for groups such as older adults, people with disabilities, those experiencing homelessness, or individuals who do not speak English as a first language.
By embracing digital platforms, the NHS has the chance to expand access to rehabilitation, personalise recovery, and ultimately improve outcomes for thousands of patients with cardiovascular disease. If the evidence holds, this could mark a new era for heart health in the UK.
Article written by Jordan Sollof
19/08/2025
Source:
Digital Health