Practical considerations for remote monitoring.

The ability to remotely monitor important physiologic parameters will dramatically change how we care for patients. We are on the threshold of this era with currently available implantable cardiac devices. Current devices provide a plethora of important arrhythmia- and heart failure-related information. Dealing with this "flood" of information and a new "work flow" can be a challenge. Careful planning can reduce the stress and improve patient care. Electrophysiologists and heart failure practitioners are on the cutting edge of this revolution in health care and therefore are required to deal with the challenges this technology brings. However, they also have the opportunity to shape the future of heart failure management.