Livongo announces a cellular-enabled blood pressure monitoring system

Livongo Health package

Chronic condition management service provider Livongo Health unveiled what it says is the first cellular-enabled blood pressure monitoring system in the U.S.

Because of the built-in cellular connectivity, the system allows blood pressure data to transfer seamlessly from “Cuff to Cloud.” This in turn enables easy checking and reporting from home, thus eliminating unnecessary prescriptions for high blood pressure.

Members on their end receive personalized, insight-driven messaging (insights and Health Nudges) based on blood pressure data and trends. They are also supported in real-time through digital alerts and virtual coaching from a team of licensed professionals certified in chronic-condition management.

“Just as we did with diabetes, Livongo wants to make it easier for people to stay healthy by checking their blood pressure, receiving real-time personalized feedback, sharing the information with their physician and other members of their connected care community from home, thereby avoiding a rise in blood pressure that can come with visiting a doctor,” Amar Kendale, Chief Product Officer of Livongo, said in a statement.

Livongo says that its new system works, with 81% of people in the initial cohort — who have both diabetes and hypertension — reducing their blood pressure. Individuals with mean blood pressures greater than 130/80 decreased their systolic blood pressure by nine mmHg on average lowering their risk of stroke and heart attacks by at least 35% and 25%, respectively.

In addition to strong clinical results, participants really liked the product, measured by a net promoter score of +76. Many of the early adopters of the solution also reported high adoption, with rates of 60 percent of eligible members enrolling in the program in the first 30 days.

“Our early results show that by addressing the health of the whole person with a personalized approach and a seamless experience, we are making a difference in the lives of people who need it most,” added Glen Tullman, CEO of Livongo.

After introducing a combined Hypertension and Diabetes solution in January 2018, the company has rapidly expanded its footprint through the launch of new clients on the Hypertension product.

Diabetes and hypertension are the fastest growing and most expensive chronic conditions in the United States, accounting for 458 billion dollars in healthcare costs. By improving blood pressure control, through lifestyle changes, such as nutrition and exercise, and optimizing medications, people can reduce the chance of cardiovascular disease by 50 percent. Cardiovascular care is the most important factor in avoiding long-term, expensive complications of diabetes.