Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death in the United States, accounting for nearly 1 in every 3 deaths. According to the American Heart Association, in 2022, coronary heart disease (CHD) was the leading contributor, responsible for 39.5% of all CVD-related deaths, followed by stroke (17.6%), hypertensive diseases (14.0%), heart failure (9.3%), and diseases of the arteries (2.6%). These statistics illustrate a growing need for more effective, proactive, and widespread patient education.
As CVD risk factors such as high blood pressure, obesity, poor diet, and physical inactivity become increasingly prevalent, healthcare providers must use all available tools to educate patients and promote heart-healthy behaviors. One effective method is through secure, HIPAA compliant email communication.
HIPAA compliant email communication allows providers to share personalized, relevant, and timely information, while safeguarding patient privacy. By leveraging this digital tool, providers can bridge gaps in awareness, support chronic disease management, and ultimately improve cardiovascular outcomes across diverse patient populations.
Despite advancements in treatment and diagnostics, many cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks and strokes, are preventable. Education plays a key role in equipping patients with the knowledge and motivation to make healthier lifestyle choices and adhere to medical advice.
Despite providers’ best efforts, traditional in-person education often isn’t enough to promote lasting cardiovascular health improvements. Some barriers that contribute to this challenge:
See also: Using email to reduce information overload during appointments
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) sets strict standards for protecting protected health information (PHI), including anything that can be used to identify a patient. Regular email providers like Gmail or Yahoo do not meet these standards on their own. “The Privacy Rule allows covered health care providers to communicate electronically, such as through e-mail, with their patients, provided they apply reasonable safeguards when doing so,” says the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
HIPAA compliant email platforms:
Here are several ways that HIPAA compliant email can drive meaningful cardiovascular health engagement:
HIPAA compliant email allows for personalized messages that address each patient's unique risk factors, medications, or health goals. For example:
Such personalization fosters a sense of connection and relevance that improves patient engagement and outcomes.
According to the CDC, “approximately one in five new prescriptions are never filled, and among those filled, approximately 50% are taken incorrectly, particularly with regard to timing, dosage, frequency, and duration.”
Educational emails can include:
This support helps reduce hospitalizations, emergency room visits, and complications.
Read also: HIPAA compliant email for treatment adherence
According to the study Lifestyle Strategies for Risk Factor Reduction, Prevention, and Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease, lifestyle changes are important in preventing CVDs, as many risk factors for CVDs can be altered through these lifestyle adjustments. By adopting a healthy diet, engaging in regular exercise, quitting smoking, managing stress, and maintaining a healthy weight, individuals directly address these modifiable risks. As such, improvements tackle the root causes of CVDs head-on; they significantly lower an individual's chances of developing such conditions. The study also notes that “The American Heart Association estimates that only 5% of individuals follow all of these lifestyle factors as components of a strategy to achieve “ideal” cardiovascular health.”
Email can serve as a low-cost, consistent form of lifestyle coaching. For example:
These messages act as gentle nudges to help patients stay on track and feel supported in their journey.
Routine check-ups, blood pressure monitoring, and cholesterol tests are vital for early detection and prevention. The study The Association Between the Frequency of Annual Health Checks Participation and the Control of Cardiovascular Risk Factors, found that “A higher frequency of annual health check participation was associated with lower [cardiovascular risk factors] SBP, fasting glucose, and total cholesterol.” With HIPAA compliant email, practices can:
See also: Are preventive health screening email notices effective?
Many underserved communities face barriers such as limited transportation, fewer healthcare providers, or work schedules that prevent frequent in-person visits. HIPAA compliant email:
In this way, email bridges educational gaps and improves health equity.
Related: How HIPAA compliant email can improve healthcare access for rural patients
One of the most trusted platforms for secure healthcare email is Paubox, a HIPAA compliant email encryption solution built specifically for the medical industry. Unlike traditional encrypted email systems that require portals or additional logins, Paubox allows for seamless, secure communication directly to the patient’s inbox, no password required.
Healthcare organizations using Paubox have reported open rates nearly 70% higher than the industry average, thanks to the simplicity and security of the system. For cardiovascular education campaigns, this means messages are more likely to be seen and read.
Read also:
To maximize impact and remain compliant, consider these best practices:
Learn more: Best practices for HIPAA compliant email marketing
All patients can benefit, but especially:
General health tips can be sent broadly, but when those messages include or imply details about a patient’s condition or care, they must be sent using HIPAA-compliant methods to avoid violating privacy laws.