[Telemedicine in chronic heart failure: patient selection is a prerequisite for success].

The two biggest studies worldwide on telemedicine in chronic heart failure were conducted in Germany. The study design, patient selection and equipment as well as the mode of therapeutic intervention varied between the two studies as much as their outcomes. A comparison of the two studies allows conclusions to be drawn as regards achieving effective telemedical intervention in chronic heart failure. Patient age, medication and degree of heart failure and the telemedical program itself are decisive factors in attaining a successful approach. It is best to induct patients into the program after hospitalisation for decompensated heart failure, especially in cases where the maximum drug therapy could not be administered.