ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces telemedical concepts on the diagnosis of cardiac arrhythmias and monitoring of patients with cardiovascular implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) and chronic heart failure as well as on the monitoring of patients with arterial hypertension. The electrocardiogram is of particular significance in cardiology. First of all, it is an important tool in the diagnosis of cardiac arrhythmias. Secondly, it has a significant place in the detection of acute coronary syndromes, in particular the ST segment elevation in myocardial infarction. The first clinical trials on telemonitoring of patients with CIEDs were conducted to address issues of technical feasibility and safety of data transmission and to address questions related to improving treatment management and patient safety. In patients with CIEDs, paroxysmal atrial fibrillation can be detected early by telemonitoring and, thus, may minimize serious complications such as ischemic stroke. Chronic heart failure is increasingly becoming a challenge for health systems in Western industrialized countries.
