Managing cardiovascular risk factors with telemedicine in primary care: A systematic review and meta-analysis of patients with arterial hypertension and type 2 diabetes.

Objectives: To review the effect of telemedicine interventions on cardiovascular risk factors control in people with arterial hypertension (AH), type 2 diabetes (T2D), or both in primary care.

Methods: We conducted a systematic review in February 2024 using PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE databases. We included randomised controlled trials from 2010 onwards, lasting ≥3 months, comparing telemedicine to standard care for managing cardiovascular risk factors in adults with AH, T2D, or both.

Results: Among 1803 records, 54 were included. Telemonitoring with teleconsultations showed the best outcomes. For AH, systolic blood pressure decreased by -5.63 mmHg (95% CI -9.13 to -2.13) at 6 months and -5.59 mmHg (95% CI -10.03 to -1.14) at 12 months compared to standard care. For T2D, HbA1c decreased by -0.45% (95% CI -0.90 to 0.00) at 6 months and -0.18% (95% CI -0.41 to 0.05) at 12 months compared to standard care. Blood glucose self-monitoring was as effective as telemonitoring for T2D at 6 months. The effect on diastolic blood pressure, low-density lipoprotein, triglycerides, and body mass index was non-significant.

Discussion: Telemedicine offers short-term benefits but lacks long-term effectiveness. Optimal outcomes require a combined telemedicine approach, health education co-intervention, ≥12-month follow-up, and careful patient selection.