Use of Telemonitoring System in Heart Failure Patients

Subjects in the telemonitoring group were given an iPad with installed iHealth application, a scale, and an electronic blood pressure monitor (a mobile web-based telemonitoring system). These devices were interconnected via Bluetooth. The iPad had permanent internet connection. Patients were taught to use the equipment to check and record their weight, blood pressure, and heart rate every morning, for 45 days after the hospital discharge. Data was automatically uploaded via iHealth application in a secure database.

Subjects in the control group received the standard patient teaching, including an instruction to self-monitor their weight.