Application of Telemedicine in the Management of Cardiovascular Diseases: A Focus on Heart Failure.

Abstract

Heart failure (HF) is a complex clinical syndrome that represents one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in developed nations. It is well established that every HF-related hospital admission leads to worsened quality of life for the patient and their caregiver and also imposes a significant financial burden on society. Therefore, reducing hospital admissions for this population has emerged as a critical tactic over the past decades. Initial attempts at remote monitoring focused on self-reported vital signs and symptoms, yet these proved ineffective. Meanwhile, subsequent technological advancements have enabled the development of miniature sensors capable of detecting and monitoring a wide range of physiologically relevant parameters; some of these advancements have been integrated into implantable devices, such as pacemakers and defibrillators. However, noninvasive monitoring has recently emerged as an alternative option for patients with HF, offering early congestion detection without requiring an invasive procedure. This review aims to summarize implanted and noninvasive devices, their characteristics, monitored parameters, and potential limitations and challenges around their integration into routine clinical practices.