Livongo Announces First Cellular-Enabled Blood Pressure Monitoring System in U.S.

Livongo Health, a consumer digital health company empowering people with chronic conditions to live better and healthier lives, has announced the first cellular-enabled blood pressure monitoring system in the U.S. at Health 2.0. Cellular connectivity allows for easy checking and reporting from home, eliminating the so-called ‘White Coat’ syndrome that leads to unnecessary prescriptions for high blood pressure, and it also enables real-time insights and Health Nudges delivered when it is most effective. Nearly 65 percent of people already using Livongo for Diabetes also have hypertension, so an integrated approach makes it easier for members who are managing multiple conditions to stay healthy. Early results from some of Livongo’s most innovative self-insured employers have shown meaningful health improvements for people with hypertension¹.
 
The cellular-enabled monitoring system allows blood pressure data to transfer seamlessly from ‘Cuff to Cloud’. Members receive personalized, insight-driven messaging (insights and Health Nudges) based on blood pressure data and trends. Members 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,” said Amar Kendale, Chief Product Officer, Livongo. “We’re proud to introduce the first cellular-enabled blood pressure monitoring system to market in the U.S. and to add this capability to our comprehensive platform for people with all kinds of chronic conditions. This allows us to treat the whole person and the challenges they face in a seamless manner.”
 
Eighty-one percent of people in the initial cohort, who have both diabetes and hypertension, reduced their blood pressure. Individuals with mean blood pressures greater than 130/80 decreased their systolic blood pressure by nine mmHg on average1 lowering their risk of stroke and heart attacks by at least 35 percent and 25 percent, respectively². 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 days¹.
 
“As the first organization with an integrated offering that is delivering both clinical and financial results in the marketplace, Livongo is leading the way in empowering people to manage multiple chronic conditions,” said Glen Tullman, chief executive officer of Livongo. “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.”
 
After introducing a combined Hypertension and Diabetes solution in January 2018, the organization has rapidly expanded its footprint through the launch of new clients on the Hypertension product. Harris Health System, a large public healthcare provider in Texas, is among the many new clients who recognized the importance of having a single solution to address some of the most expensive chronic conditions affecting its workforce.
 
Trina McCloskey is one among many people who have both conditions and who have been helped by Livongo’s comprehensive platform. Using Livongo, she lowered her A1c from 13.0 to 6.0, reduced her blood pressure medication, and lost 40 pounds.
 
“I suffered three heart attacks at age 49 and knew I needed to make significant changes to my health,” McCloskey said. “Joining Livongo and having my results in a single place makes it easier to manage my health and easily share information with my doctor. I also value the personal support from my health coach and find that it helps me make better choices every day to become healthier.”
 
Diabetes and hypertension are the fastest growing and most expensive chronic conditions in the United States², accounting for 458 billion dollars in healthcare costs^3,4. 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 percent⁴. Cardiovascular care is the most important factor in avoiding long-term, expensive complications of diabetes⁵.
 
Amar Kendale, Livongo’s Chief Product Officer, will take the stage today at Health 2.0 to provide the first Livongo for Hypertension demo. Glen Tullman, Livongo’s Chief Executive Officer, will sit down with Health 2.0’s Matthew Holt for a broad-ranging main stage conversation on health, healthcare, Livongo’s growth and new products, and the Company’s focus on the health of the whole person.
 
References
¹ Livongo database internal analysis of members
² N Engl J Med 2015; 373:2103-2116
³ The Cost of Diabetes, American Diabetes Association, 2018.
⁴ Statistics About Diabetes, American Diabetes Association, 2018.
⁵ Schutta, M. H. (2007), Diabetes and Hypertension: Epidemiology of the Relationship and Pathophysiology of Factors Associated With These Comorbid Conditions. Journal of the Cardiometabolic Syndrome, 2: 124–130. doi:10.1111/j.1559-4564.2007.06368.x