ONC Wants Cardiovascular Care Apps

The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology has launched a challenge to software developers to create applications to engage consumers in improving their cardiovascular health.

The challenge is part of ONC's new Million Hearts Initiative to prevent one million heart attacks and strokes over five years. Consumer-focused applications could cover such areas as aspirin treatment for consumers at high risk, controlling blood pressure, managing cholesterol and smoking cessation.

The top prize is $50,000, with $20,000 for second place and $5,000 for third place. More information is available here.