Mumbai-Based Fitterfly Launches FitHeart to Enhance Heart Health

At the core of FitHeart lies the HeartAge Calculator, a sophisticated tool integrated into Fitterfly's platform.

Fitterfly, a Mumbai-based healthtech startup has launched FitHeart, a personalized program designed to enhance heart health.

Heart ailments affect over 220 million individuals across India and remain a mounting concern with cases of hypertension and other cardiac ailments on the rise.

The program has been designed based on the American Heart Association Life's Essential 8 guidelines for individual users as well as for corporate entities and insurance providers.

Dr Arbinder Singal, CEO & cofounder of Fitterfly, recalled how Fitterfly’s diabetes management program led to the idea of launching specific programs for heart-related ailments.

"After seeing how our diabetes management programs significantly helped members with heart conditions, we recognized the urgent need to tackle the heart health crisis. This led us to create FitHeart,” he said.

Established in 2016, Fitterfly specializes in digital therapeutic programs for managing diabetes, obesity, and heart disease.

The startup raised $16.6 million in a Series A funding round in 2022 with backing from industry giants including Amazon, Fireside Ventures, 9 Unicorns, and Venture Catalysts.

Decoding FitHeart’s Functionalities

At the core of FitHeart lies the HeartAge Calculator, a sophisticated tool integrated into Fitterfly's platform.

This calculator evaluates heart health and identifies risk factors, paving the way for customized care plans tailored to individual needs.

These plans, crafted by specialized experts, encompass dietary recommendations, exercise regimens, and holistic well-being strategies aimed at managing crucial health metrics such as blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and weight.

Dr Manthan Mehta, head, FitHeart Program, underscores the program's efficacy, stating, "FitHeart combines proven medical expertise with cutting-edge tech to effectively address heart diseases. Our studies have shown significant achievements, including an improvement in heart age by 6 years and remarkable heart health outcomes. It's simple, effective, and life changing."

India’s Cardiac Health Crisis

India's cardiac health statistics reveal a concerning scenario, with cardiovascular diseases being a significant health burden in the country.

According to the Global Burden of Disease Study, heart disease is a leading cause of death in India, accounting for nearly 27% of all deaths.

The age-standardized cardiovascular disease death rate in India is estimated to be 272 per 100,000 population, indicating a higher burden compared to other regions.

The prevalence of cardiovascular diseases in India has been on the rise, with a significant increase in heart attack cases, including a 12.5% surge in heart attack deaths in 2022 alone.

This trend is alarming, with experts linking it to factors such as obesity, hypertension, and diabetes, which are prevalent risk factors in the country.

Additionally, the mortality rate due to heart disease among Indian women is higher than that of breast cancer and other cancers combined, highlighting the significant impact of cardiovascular diseases on female health in India.

Focus on Digital Therapeutics for Heart Health

In the past few years, heart health has taken center stage. In India, several digital therapeutics programs are being developed to address heart health.

One notable initiative is the Digital Therapeutics (DTx) program by Lupin Digital Health, which focuses on revolutionizing women's cardiac health through personalized digital solutions.

This program aims to transform how women's heart health is managed by offering tailored solutions that adapt to individual preferences, lifestyles, and health data, ultimately enhancing treatment outcomes and promoting long-term adherence to cardiac care plans.

Another significant investment is the funding received by the George Institute for Global Health from the National Health and Medical Research Council for a cardiovascular research program focused on India's heart health.

This program includes a national salt reduction program, investigations into affordable drug treatment strategies to treat hypertension, and an assessment of innovative smartphone healthcare technology.