Impact of Home Patient Telemonitoring on Use of β-Blockers in Congestive Heart Failure

Introduction Congestive heart failure (CHF), which typically affects older people, is characterized by high short- and mid-term mortality rates. However, despite accumulating evidence showing that administration of β-blockers (β-adrenoceptor antagonists) can improve the clinical status of CHF patients, use of these agents in adequate dosages in this setting is not routine. One reason for this appears to be a concern about a possible risk of bradyarrhythmia associated with use of β-blockers. Telecardiology has recently been investigated as a means of constantly monitoring the heart rate of CHF patients in their homes. Its use may allay concerns about the risk of bradyarrhythmia and facilitate a more widespread use of β-blockers in this context.