According to a study, texting patients to remind them to do things like exercise more, eat right and smoke less could help them make lifestyle changes associated with a lower risk of heart strokes or attacks.

Four texts a week were sent by researchers of the study to nearly 350 people suffering from heart disease to increase their regular care with reminders aimed at encouraging healthier habits. Another group of nearly 350 patients continued their usual care routines, but such texts were not sent to them.

After six months, the patients, who received texts, were found to have more success in reducing their blood pressure, cholesterol and tobacco use and weight than those who didn't.

According to lead study author Dr. Clara Chow, a cardiology researcher at the George Institute for Global Health and the University of Sydney in Australia, "The benefit to exercise, quitting smoking, and lowering (weight) after six months of text message reminders are substantial. As clinicians, we want to address multiple risk factors in our patients who have had a heart attack".

Chow added that if these risk factors were decreased over the long term, they would lower the risk of repeat heart attacks. A number of studies have tested text messaging procedure to help patients comply with therapies or lifestyle changes that are recommended by doctors. However, all studies have not shown desired results.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly 17.5 million people worldwide die from cardiovascular disease every year, and most of these fatalities are as a result of heart attacks and strokes.