As we age, we become more prone to heart disease risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, and obesity. People with bleeding disorders are no exception, and some studies suggest that they may be at higher risk of heart disease than the general population. For instance, a 2024 study revealed that men with hemophilia have a higher risk of heart attacks, stroke, and arterial plaque buildup than men without the bleeding disorder.
Using an app on your mobile phone can make it easier to follow a heart-healthy lifestyle, and many of them are free. There are helpful tools you can use to track your cholesterol numbers, measure your heart rate and activity levels, plan healthy meals, and build consistent fitness routines. Here are five heart-healthy apps to consider.
Heart & Stroke Helper
Developed by the American Heart Association, this app is a self-management tool for people who have high cholesterol or are at risk for it. You can track progress on lifestyle habits, record your cholesterol numbers, manage medications, and share information with your health care professionals in real time.
Available for:iPhone and Android
Cost: Free
Cardiio
This app, created by a digital health company spun out of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, enables you to get a precise heart rate reading in seconds by placing your finger on the camera of an iPhone or iPad. The app also includes seven-minute workouts that boost your overall health, and you can compare your progress with others in your age, gender, and region for motivation.
Available for:iPhone
Cost: Free, with in-app purchases
MyFitnessPal
Eating well and getting regular exercise are essential for keeping your heart healthy. With this health and fitness tracking app, you can log your meals and physical activity for the day, as well as track daily calories and macros (carbohydrates, fat, and protein) from a database of more than 20 million foods. The app also includes 50 workout routines and more than 500 recipes.
Available for:iPhone and Android
Cost: Free, with in-app purchases
Google Fit
Use this app to track all of your daily activities, including steps taken, distance traveled, and calories burned. Plus, you can set fitness goals, view your progress over time, and receive personalized tips to stay active. The app also syncs with other health and fitness apps including MyFitnessPal.
Available for: iPhone and Android
Cost: Free, with in-app purchases
Apple Health
This app, which is pre-installed on most iPhones, has many of the same features as Google Fit. In addition, you can log medications you take, set reminders, and receive alerts about potential drug interactions. There’s also an option to securely share selected health data with family members or health care providers.
Available for:iPhone
Cost: Free