Telemedical Interventional Management in Heart Failure II (TIM-HF2), a randomised, controlled trial investigating the impact of telemedicine on unplanned cardiovascular hospitalisations and mortality in heart failure patients: study design and description of the intervention.

Background: Heart failure (HF) is a complex, chronic condition that is associated with debilitating symptoms, all of which necessitate close follow-up by health care providers. Lack of disease monitoring may result in increased mortality and more frequent hospital readmissions for decompensated HF. Remote patient management (RPM) in this patient population may help to detect early signs and symptoms of cardiac decompensation, thus enabling a prompt initiation of the appropriate treatment and care before a manifestation of HF decompensation.

Diagnostic accuracy of a new detection algorithm for atrial fibrillation in cardiac telemonitoring with portable electrocardiogram devices.

Background: Telemedical approaches targeting cardiac outpatients try to include electrocardiogram (ECG) analysis. Increasing numbers of monitored patients require automated preanalysis of the ECG to prioritize the evaluation for the clinical professional to enable an efficient intervention.

Methods: ECGs were recorded from 60 patients, both with a standard 12-lead ECG and with a new handheld ECG device having dry electrodes for direct skin contact.

A new telemonitoring system intended for chronic heart failure patients using mobile telephone technology--feasibility study.

Background: Remote monitoring is one modality of structured care in chronic heart failure. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of a new wireless telemonitoring system via a mobile phone network.

Methods: Portable home devices for electrocardiogram, blood pressure, body weight and self-assessment measurements were connected (via Bluetooth) to a personal digital assistant (PDA) that performs automated encrypted transmission via mobile phone.