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Review
. 2024 Mar 4:22:eRW0393.
doi: 10.31744/einstein_journal/2024RW0393. eCollection 2024.

Telemedicine and patients with heart failure: evidence and unresolved issues

Tarso Augusto Duenhas Accorsi  1 , Gabriela Guimarães Rodrigues Dos Santos  1 , Renato Paladino Nemoto  1 , Flavio Tocci Moreira  1 , Karine De Amicis  1 , Karen Francine Köhler  1 , Eduardo Cordioli  1 , Carlos Henrique Sartorato Pedrotti  1
Affiliations
Review

Telemedicine and patients with heart failure: evidence and unresolved issues

Tarso Augusto Duenhas Accorsi et al. Einstein (Sao Paulo). .

Abstract

Heart failure is the leading cause of cardiac-related hospitalizations. Limited access to reevaluations and outpatient appointments restricts the application of modern therapies. Telemedicine has become an essential resource in the healthcare system because of its countless benefits, such as higher and more frequent appointments and faster titration of medications. This narrative review aimed to demonstrate the evidence and unresolved issues related to the use of telemedicine in patients with heart failure. No studies have examined heart failure prevention; however, several studies have addressed the prevention of decompensation with positive results. Telemedicine can be used to evaluate all patients with heart failure, and many telemedicine platforms are available. Several strategies, including both noninvasive (phone calls, weight measurement, and virtual visits) and invasive (implantable pulmonary artery catheters) strategies can be implemented. Given these benefits, telemedicine is highly desirable, particularly for vulnerable groups. Although some questions remain unanswered, the development of new technologies can complement remote visits and improve patient care.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Changes after the COVID-19 pandemic
Figure 2
Figure 2. Adaptation to care after pandemics involving telemedicine. Key aspects of telemedicine
Figure 3
Figure 3. Medical care model for telemedicine consultations. Heart failure treatment and telemedicine randomized controlled trials
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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