Remote monitoring in heart failure: current and emerging technologies in the context of the pandemic

Heart. 2021 Mar;107(5):366-372. doi: 10.1136/heartjnl-2020-318062. Epub 2021 Jan 11.

Abstract

The incidence of heart failure (HF) remains high and patients with HF are at risk for frequent hospitalisations. Remote monitoring technologies may provide early indications of HF decompensation and potentially allow for optimisation of therapy to prevent HF hospitalisations. The need for reliable remote monitoring technology has never been greater as the COVID-19 pandemic has led to the rapid expansion of a new mode of healthcare delivery: the virtual visit. With the convergence of remote monitoring technologies and reliable method of remote healthcare delivery, an understanding of the role of both in the management of patients with HF is critical. In this review, we outline the evidence on current remote monitoring technologies in patients with HF and highlight how these advances may benefit patients in the context of the current pandemic.

Keywords: cardiomyopathy; dilated; heart failure; systolic; telemedicine.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19* / epidemiology
  • COVID-19* / prevention & control
  • Communicable Disease Control
  • Heart Failure* / epidemiology
  • Heart Failure* / therapy
  • Humans
  • Remote Sensing Technology*
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Telemedicine* / instrumentation
  • Telemedicine* / methods
  • Telemedicine* / trends