Kevin Newman never saw it coming. A devoted husband, father, and federal health plan manager, he had always considered himself relatively healthy. But one routine check-up after a mild bout of COVID revealed a surprising fact—his blood pressure was dangerously high. That wake-up call could have been life-threatening, but thanks to Hello Heart, he took control of his future. Today, he’s not only healthier but also inspiring others to do the same.
Kevin’s Story
At 58 years old, Kevin is no stranger to staying active and busy. He lives in Virginia and loves spending time with his wife, Karen, their five kids and nine grandkids. What keeps him going in life and work? Aside from his love for Harley-Davidson motorcycles (he’s been an avid rider since his teens), his love for helping others and the camaraderie he feels with the postal and federal employees he supports.
“I love what I do. I love the letter carriers—they’re down-to-earth, regular people who are passionate about their work,” Kevin says. “They make you want to work hard to give them the best benefits.”
But even for someone as active and driven as Kevin, life has a way of throwing unexpected challenges his way—ones that would test his health and force him to rethink his lifestyle.
The Health Scare That Changed Everything
Kevin’s health took a turn after contracting COVID early in the pandemic while at a convention. At first, the symptoms seemed mild—typical tiredness and a runny nose.
But weeks later, Kevin started experiencing shortness of breath, a symptom he thought would pass. His family urged him to make an appointment with his doctor, where a routine check revealed something alarming.
“My blood pressure was 200 over 120,” Kevin recalls. In clinical settings, Kevin’s condition is known as “hypertensive crisis.”
“The doctors couldn’t believe I wasn’t experiencing a headache or any other typical symptoms of extreme high blood pressure. I just thought I needed an inhaler.”
A CT scan revealed no immediate danger, but Kevin's doctor diagnosed him with high blood pressure and prescribed medication. It was a life-changing moment for Kevin.
"I had never dealt with high blood pressure before,” he says. It made me realize I needed to make some big changes.”
Enter: Hello Heart.
Taking Control with Hello Heart
Hello Heart was already familiar to Kevin—it was a benefit offered through the health plan he manages. After his diagnosis, he signed up for the program and quickly discovered how it could become a lifeline for managing his condition.
“The program literally changed my life,” Kevin says. “It wasn’t just about taking medication. Hello Heart taught me how to make better lifestyle choices, like reducing my salt intake, exercising, and staying consistent with my routine.”
Kevin also highlights how the program helped him build healthier habits:
- Daily monitoring: Kevin started tracking his blood pressure every morning using Hello Heart’s app and connected blood pressure monitor.
- Medication reminders: Timely alerts helped him stay consistent with his medication, ensuring he never missed a dose.
- Educational insights: The app provided helpful tips on heart-healthy habits, which motivated him to make lasting changes.
- Doctor reports: Kevin loves sharing Hello Heart’s detailed Clinician Report with his doctor. He says, “It keeps you honest. Now my doctor doesn’t just take my word for it—he can see my progress in the data.”
Kevin’s Life Today
With Hello Heart, Kevin’s average blood pressure now reads 123/72, a significant improvement from his initial diagnosis.
He’s also embraced a more active lifestyle, walking 55 minutes a day—a habit that helped him shed 45 pounds.
On top of that, he’s completely cut salt from his diet. “I don’t even touch the salt shaker anymore,” he says.
Kevin’s improved health has also inspired those around him, including Karen, who now uses Hello Heart to monitor her own well-being.
But Kevin isn’t just keeping these positive changes to himself and his immediate family—he’s using his experience to encourage others.
At a recent seminar, Kevin shared his Hello Heart story, resulting in several new sign-ups for the program.
"A lot of people raised their hands when I asked if they knew they should be monitoring their blood pressure,” Kevin says. “It made me so happy to know my story encouraged others to take action.”
Why Kevin Recommends Hello Heart
When asked why he’s such a strong advocate for Hello Heart, Kevin puts it simply:
“It’s a program that gives so much back,” he says. “You don’t have to put a lot into it—it’s easy to use. But it helps you notice patterns, keeps you on track, and empowers you to take control of your health before it’s too late.”
Kevin has seen firsthand how Hello Heart can change lives—not just his own, but those around him.
Now, he brings his blood pressure monitor to work every day, ready to help a colleague who might need a check-in, turning his health journey into a way to support others.
“One time, I used it on a coworker who wasn’t feeling well and found their blood pressure was dangerously high.” They immediately called 911.
A Final Message from Kevin
For Kevin, heart health is about living fully and being present for his family, especially his grandchildren.
"You only have one life, and you want to be here for your family," he says. “Take care of yourself. If your doctor says to change your diet or medication, listen. And if you have access to Hello Heart, sign up. It’s so easy.”
Start Your Heart Health Journey Today
Kevin’s story is proof that small, consistent changes can lead to a healthier, longer life. If you’re ready to take control of your heart health, why not start with Hello Heart? Download the app today, and give your heart the care it deserves.
Learn more and determine your eligibility here.
Interested in offering Hello Heart to your employees or health plan members? Reach out to us at info@helloheart.com.
Hello Heart is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment. You should always consult with your doctor about your individual care.
1. Gazit T, Gutman M, Beatty AL. Assessment of Hypertension Control Among Adults Participating in a Mobile Technology Blood Pressure Self-management Program. JAMA Netw Open. 2021;4(10):e2127008, https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.27008. Accessed October 19, 2022. (Some study authors are employed by Hello Heart. Because of the observational nature of the study, causal conclusions cannot be made. See additional important study limitations in the publication. This study showed that 108 participants with baseline blood pressure over 140/90 who had been enrolled in the program for 3 years and had application activity during weeks 148-163 were able to reduce their blood pressure by 21 mmHg using the Hello Heart program.) (2) Livongo Health, Inc. Form S-1 Registration Statement. https:/www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1639225/000119312519185159/d731249ds1.htm. Published June 28, 2019. Accessed October 19, 2022. (In a pilot study that lasted six weeks, individuals starting with a blood pressure of greater than 140/90 mmHg, on average, had a 10 mmHG reduction.) NOTE: This comparison is not based on a head-to-head study, and the difference in results may be due in part to different study protocols.
2. Validation Institute. 2021 Validation Report (Valid Through October 2022). https://validationinstitute.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Hello_Heart-Savings-2021- Final.pdf. Published October 2021. Accessed October 19, 2022. (This analysis was commissioned by Hello Heart, which provided a summary report of self-fundedemployer client medical claims data for 203 Hello Heart users and 200 non-users from 2017-2020. Findings have not been subjected to peer review.)
