MAY - 20229significantly reduce heart failure hospital admissions by 57% over an average of 12 months and improves quality of life for these patients. The third category of remote monitors is based on parameters derived from cardiovascular implantable electronic devices (implantable cardioverter-defibrillator [ICD] devices and cardiac resynchronization therapy­defibrillators [CRT-D]), which 15 to30 percent of heart failure patients have these implanted as part of their treatment plan. For example the Medtronic (Minneapolis, Minnesota) OptiVol monitoring system that evaluates for increased lung water content as a marker consistent with worsening heart failure. Another novel device that falls in this category is the Boston Scientific (Boston, Massachusetts) HeartLogic HF algorithm. The algorithm collects data from multiple sensors that are embedded within the Boston Scientific ICD and CRT-D. The algorithm generates a daily score which predicts the risk of a worsening heart failure event, even while the patient has no symptoms and up to 30 days prior the event. The score is made up of a composite of a change in heart sounds, lung water content, breathing rate, heart rate, and patient activity. An alert is triggered when there is a significant change in computed algorithm score and electronically transmitted to the care team. Allowing for the care plan to be adjusted without the patient having to come into the clinic. In summary, the COVID-19 pandemic has changed how and where we care for patients. Remote HF monitoring technology, as detailed above, combined with telehealth (video visits) can allow for optimization of care for heart failure patients during the pandemic and beyond. Our health system has employed this strategy with excellent outcomes thus far. Remote HF monitoring technology, combined with telehealth can allow for optimization of care for heart failure patients during the pandemic and beyondUgochukwu O. Egolum
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