Impact of telemedicine on the clinical outcomes and healthcare costs of patients with chronic heart failure and mid-range or preserved ejection fraction managed in a multidisciplinary chronic heart failure programme: A sub-analysis of the iCOR randomized trial.

Background: The efficacy of telemedicine in the management of patients with chronic heart failure and left ventricular ejection fraction ≥40% is poorly understood. The aim of our analysis was to evaluate the efficacy of a telemedicine-based intervention specifically in these patients, as compared to standard of care alone. Methods: The Insuficiència Cardiaca Optimització Remota (iCOR) study was a single centre, randomised, controlled trial, designed to evaluate a telemedicine intervention added to an existing hospital/primary care multidisciplinary, integrated programme for chronic heart failure patients. 178 participants were randomised to telemedicine or usual care, and were followed for six months. For the present sub-analysis, only iCOR participants (n = 116) with left ventricular ejection fraction ≥40% were included. The primary study endpoint was the incidence of an acute non-fatal heart failure event, defined as a new episode of worsening of symptoms and signs consistent with acute heart failure requiring intravenous diuretic therapy. The healthcare-related costs in each study group were also evaluated. Results: The incidence of the first occurrence of the primary endpoint was significantly lower in the telemedicine arm (22% vs 56%, p<0.001), with a hazard ratio of 0.33 comparing to the usual care arm (95% confidence interval 0.17­0.64). Telemedicine was also associated with lower mean overall chronic heart failure care-related costs compared to usual care (8163€ vs 4993€, p=0.001). The results were consistent in both left ventricular ejection fraction of 40­49% and left ventricular ejection fraction ≥50% patients. Conclusions: Our results suggest that telemedicine is a promising strategy for the management of chronic heart failure patients with left ventricular ejection fraction ≥40%. These findings should be replicated in larger cohorts.

Estado del hierro en la insuficiencia cardiaca crónica: impacto en síntomas, clase funcional y capacidad de ejercicio submáxima / Iron status in chronic heart failure: impact on symptoms, functional class and submaximal exercise capacity

Introducción y objetivos: Evaluar el efecto del déficit de hierro y la anemia en la capacidad de esfuerzo submáxima de pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca crónica. Métodos: Se llevó a cabo un estudio transversal unicéntrico en un grupo de pacientes estables con insuficiencia cardiaca crónica. En el momento de incluirlos en el estudio, los pacientes aportaron información basal y realizaron una prueba de marcha de 6 minutos para evaluar la capacidad de ejercicio submáxima y los síntomas desencadenados por el esfuerzo. Al mismo tiempo, se obtuvieron muestras de sangre para la evaluación serológica. El déficit de hierro se definió como un valor de ferritina < 100 ng/ml o una saturación de transferrina < 20% cuando la ferritina era < 800 ng/ml. Se efectuaron también determinaciones de otros marcadores del estado del hierro. Resultados: Se consideró aptos para la inclusión en el estudio a 538 pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca. La media de edad era 71 años y el 33% se encontraba en las clases III/IV de la New York Heart Association. La distancia media recorrida en la prueba de marcha de 6 minutos por los pacientes con alteración del estado del hierro fue 285 ± 101 m, en comparación con los 322 ± 113 m del otro grupo (p = 0,002). Los síntomas durante la prueba fueron más frecuentes en los pacientes con déficit de hierro (el 35 frente al 27%; p = 0,028) y el síntoma registrado con más frecuencia fue la fatiga. Los análisis de regresión logística multivariables mostraron que el aumento de la concentración de receptor de transferrina soluble, que indica un estado anormal del hierro, se asociaba de manera independiente con una clase avanzada de la New York Heart Association (p < 0,05). En el análisis multivariable realizado empleando modelos aditivos generalizados, el receptor de transferrina soluble y el índice de ferritina, biomarcadores que miden el estado del hierro, mostraron una asociación lineal, significativa e independiente con la capacidad de ejercicio submáxima (p = 0,03 en ambos casos). En cambio, en el análisis multivariable los valores de hemoglobina no mostraron una asociación significativa con la distancia recorrida en la prueba de marcha de 6 minutos. Conclusiones: En los pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca crónica, el déficit de hierro, pero no así la anemia, se asoció con deterioro de la capacidad de ejercicio submáxima y limitación funcional sintomática (AU)

Introduction and objectives: To evaluate the effect of iron deficiency and anemia on submaximal exercise capacity in patients with chronic heart failure. Methods: We undertook a single-center cross-sectional study in a group of stable patients with chronic heart failure. At recruitment, patients provided baseline information and completed a 6-minute walk test to evaluate submaximal exercise capacity and exercise-induced symptoms. At the same time, blood samples were taken for serological evaluation. Iron deficiency was defined as ferritin < 100 ng/mL or transferrin saturation < 20% when ferritin is < 800 ng/mL. Additional markers of iron status were also measured. Results: A total of 538 heart failure patients were eligible for inclusion, with an average age of 71 years and 33% were in New York Heart Association class III/IV. The mean distance walked in the test was 285 ± 101 meters among those with impaired iron status, vs 322 ± 113 meters (P = .002). Symptoms during the test were more frequent in iron deficiency patients (35% vs 27%; P = .028) and the most common symptom reported was fatigue. Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that increased levels of soluble transferrin receptor indicating abnormal iron status were independently associated with advanced New York Heart Association class (P < .05). Multivariable analysis using generalized additive models, soluble transferrin receptor and ferritin index, both biomarkers measuring iron status, showed a significant, independent and linear association with submaximal exercise capacity (P = .03 for both). In contrast, hemoglobin levels were not significantly associated with 6-minute walk test distance in the multivariable analysis. Conclusions: In patients with chronic heart failure, iron deficiency but not anemia was associated with impaired submaximal exercise capacity and symptomatic functional limitation (AU)

Iron Status in Chronic Heart Failure: Impact on Symptoms, Functional Class and Submaximal Exercise Capacity.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of iron deficiency and anemia on submaximal exercise capacity in patients with chronic heart failure. METHODS: We undertook a single-center cross-sectional study in a group of stable patients with chronic heart failure. At recruitment, patients provided baseline information and completed a 6-minute walk test to evaluate submaximal exercise capacity and exercise-induced symptoms. At the same time, blood samples were taken for serological evaluation. Iron deficiency was defined as ferritin < 100 ng/mL or transferrin saturation < 20% when ferritin is < 800 ng/mL. Additional markers of iron status were also measured. RESULTS: A total of 538 heart failure patients were eligible for inclusion, with an average age of 71 years and 33% were in New York Heart Association class III/IV. The mean distance walked in the test was 285 ± 101 meters among those with impaired iron status, vs 322 ± 113 meters (P=.002). Symptoms during the test were more frequent in iron deficiency patients (35% vs 27%; P=.028) and the most common symptom reported was fatigue. Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that increased levels of soluble transferrin receptor indicating abnormal iron status were independently associated with advanced New York Heart Association class (P < .05). Multivariable analysis using generalized additive models, soluble transferrin receptor and ferritin index, both biomarkers measuring iron status, showed a significant, independent and linear association with submaximal exercise capacity (P=.03 for both). In contrast, hemoglobin levels were not significantly associated with 6-minute walk test distance in the multivariable analysis. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with chronic heart failure, iron deficiency but not anemia was associated with impaired submaximal exercise capacity and symptomatic functional limitation.

Population prevalence and control of cardiovascular risk factors: What electronic medical records tell us / Prevalencia y control de factores de riesgo cardiovascular en la población general: ¿qué nos dice la historia clínica electrónica?

OBJETIVOS: Analizar la prevalencia, control y manejo de la hipertensión arterial, hipercolesterolemia y diabetes mellitus tipo 2. DISEÑO: Análisis transversal de todos los individuos atendidos en centros de atención primaria entre 2006 y 2009.Emplazamiento: Se extrajo de la historia clínica electrónica los antecedentes de enfermedad cardiovascular, el diagnóstico y tratamiento de la hipertensión arterial, hipercolesterolemia, diabetes mellitus tipo 2, el perfil lipídico, la glicemia y la presión arterial. Las prevalencias ylas variables de manejo y control se estandarizaron por edad. Participantes: Individuos de 35 a 74 años registrados en las bases de datos de atención primaria. Mediciones principales: Se analizaron registros de 2.174.515 de individuos (47% hombres, edad media 52 años (DE 11)). RESULTADOS: La hipertensión arterial fue el factor de riesgo más prevalente (39% en mujeres y 41% en hombres), seguido de la hipercolesterolemia (38% y 40%) y la diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (12% y 16%), respectivamente. Los diuréticos y los inhibidores de la enzima convertidora de angiotensina fueron los fármacos más frecuentemente recetados para el control de la presión arterial (68% de hombres y 60% de mujeres presentaron valores <140/90 mmHg). Sólo el 31% de los hombres y el 26% de las mujeres sin antecedentes de enfermedad cardiovascular presentaron hipercolesterolemia controlada (colesterol de las lipoproteínas de baja densidad <130 mg/dl),a pesar del porcentaje de tratamiento con estatinas (90%). EL porcentaje de mujeres y hombres con diabetes mellitus tipo 2 y hemoglobina glicada <7% era de 64.7% y 59.2%, respectivamente; el tratamiento se realizó predominantemente con antidiabéticos orales únicamente (70%) o asociados con insulina (15%). CONCLUSIONES: La hipertensión arterial fue el factor de riesgo cardiovascular más prevalente en población catalana atendida en centros de atención primaria. Alrededor de dos tercios de los individuos con hipertensión arterial o diabetes mellitus tipo 2 estaban adecuadamente controlados; mientras que el control de la hipercolesterolemia fue especialmente bajo

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the prevalence, control, and management of hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2). DESIGN: Cross-sectional analysis of all individuals attended in the Catalan primary care centers between 2006 and 2009.LocationHistory of cardiovascular diseases, diagnosis and treatment of hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, DM2, lipid profile, glycemia and blood pressure data were extracted from electronic medical records. Age-standardized prevalence and levels of management and control were estimated. Participants: Individuals aged 35-74 years using primary care databases. Main measures: A total of 2,174,515 individuals were included (mean age 52 years [SD 11], 47% men). RESULTS: Hypertension was the most prevalent cardiovascular risk factor (39% in women, 41% in men) followed by hypercholesterolemia (38% and 40%) and DM2 (12% and 16%), respectively. Diuretics and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors were most often prescribed for hypertension control (<140/90 mmHg, achieved in 68% of men and 60% of women treated). Hypercholesterolemia was controlled (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol <130 mg/dl) in just 31% of men and 26% of women with no history of cardiovascular disease, despite lipid-lowering treatment, primarily (90%) with statins. The percentage of women and men with DM2 and with glycated hemoglobin <7% was 64.7% and 59.2%, respectively; treatment was predominantly with oral hypoglycemic agents alone (70%), or combined with insulin (15%). CONCLUSIONS: Hypertension was the most prevalent cardiovascular risk factor in the Catalan population attended at primary care centers. About two thirds of individuals with hypertension or DM2 were adequately controlled; hypercholesterolemia control was particularly low

Population prevalence and control of cardiovascular risk factors: what electronic medical records tell us.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the prevalence, control, and management of hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2). DESIGN: Cross-sectional analysis of all individuals attended in the Catalan primary care centers between 2006 and 2009. LOCATION: History of cardiovascular diseases, diagnosis and treatment of hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, DM2, lipid profile, glycemia and blood pressure data were extracted from electronic medical records. Age-standardized prevalence and levels of management and control were estimated. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals aged 35-74 years using primary care databases. MAIN MEASURES: A total of 2,174,515 individuals were included (mean age 52 years [SD 11], 47% men). RESULTS: Hypertension was the most prevalent cardiovascular risk factor (39% in women, 41% in men) followed by hypercholesterolemia (38% and 40%) and DM2 (12% and 16%), respectively. Diuretics and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors were most often prescribed for hypertension control (<140/90mmHg, achieved in 68% of men and 60% of women treated). Hypercholesterolemia was controlled (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol <130mg/dl) in just 31% of men and 26% of women with no history of cardiovascular disease, despite lipid-lowering treatment, primarily (90%) with statins. The percentage of women and men with DM2 and with glycated hemoglobin <7% was 64.7% and 59.2%, respectively; treatment was predominantly with oral hypoglycemic agents alone (70%), or combined with insulin (15%). CONCLUSIONS: Hypertension was the most prevalent cardiovascular risk factor in the Catalan population attended at primary care centers. About two thirds of individuals with hypertension or DM2 were adequately controlled; hypercholesterolemia control was particularly low.

Punto de corte óptimo de NT-proBNP para el diagnóstico de insuficiencia cardiaca mediante un test de determinación rápida en atención primaria / Rapid point-of-care NT-proBNP optimal cut-off point for heart failure diagnosis in primary care

Introducción y objetivos. La determinación de péptidos natriuréticos puede estar recomendada como paso previo al ecocardiograma ante la sospecha de insuficiencia cardiaca. El punto de corte óptimo para el diagnóstico de insuficiencia cardiaca en atención primaria no está completamente definido. El objetivo es determinar dicho punto de corte. Métodos. Es un estudio prospectivo para evaluar un test rápido local de fracción N-terminal del péptido natriurético tipo B en atención primaria. Se incluyó a pacientes con solicitud de ecocardiograma realizada por un médico de familia ante la sospecha clínica de insuficiencia cardiaca. Se realizó historia clínica y exploración física basadas en los criterios de Framingham, electrocardiograma, radiografía de tórax, determinación de fracción N-terminal del péptido natriurético tipo B y ecocardiograma. El diagnóstico de insuficiencia cardiaca fue establecido por un cardiólogo ciego al valor de fracción N-terminal del péptido natriurético tipo B, utilizando los criterios de la Sociedad Europea de Cardiología (clínica y confirmación ecocardiográfica). Resultados. Se evaluó a 220 pacientes (el 65,5% mujeres) con una mediana [intervalo intercuartílico] de edad de 74 [67-81] años. El diagnóstico de insuficiencia cardiaca se confirmó en 52 (23,6%), 16 con fracción de eyección del ventrículo izquierdo < 50% (39,6 ± 5,1%). Los valores de fracción N-terminal del péptido natriurético tipo B fueron 715 [510,5-1.575] y 77,5 [58-179,75] pg/ml para pacientes con y sin insuficiencia cardiaca respectivamente. El mejor punto de corte fue 280 pg/ml, con un área bajo la curva receiver operating characteristic de 0,94 (intervalo de confianza del 95%, 0,91-0,97). Seis pacientes diagnosticados de insuficiencia cardiaca (11,5%) tuvieron valores de fracción N-terminal del péptido natriurético tipo B < 400 pg/ml. La incorporación de los péptidos habría evitado el 67% de los ecocardiogramas solicitados. Conclusiones. En una población ambulatoria atendida en atención primaria, el mejor punto de corte de fracción N-terminal del péptido natriurético tipo B para descartar insuficiencia cardiaca fue 280 pg/ml. La determinación de fracción N-terminal del péptido natriurético tipo B mejora los procesos diagnósticos y podría ser coste-efectiva (AU)

Introduction and objectives. Measurement of natriuretic peptides may be recommended prior to echocardiography in patients with suspected heart failure. Cut-off point for heart failure diagnosis in primary care is not well established. We aimed to assess the optimal diagnostic cut-off value of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide on a community population attended in primary care. Methods. Prospective diagnostic accuracy study of a rapid point-of-care N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide test in a primary healthcare centre. Consecutive patients referred by their general practitioners to echocardiography due to suspected heart failure were included. Clinical history and physical examination based on Framingham criteria, electrocardiogram, chest X-ray, N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide measurement and echocardiogram were performed. Heart failure diagnosis was made by a cardiologist blinded to N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide value, using the European Society of Cardiology diagnosis criteria (clinical and echocardiographic data). Results. Of 220 patients evaluated (65.5% women; median 74 years [interquartile range 67-81]). Heart failure diagnosis was confirmed in 52 patients (23.6%), 16 (30.8%) with left ventricular ejection fraction <50% (39.6 [5.1]%). Median values of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide were 715 pg/mL [interquartile range 510.5-1575] and 77.5 pg/mL [interquartile range 58-179.75] for patients with and without heart failure respectively. The best cut-off point was 280 pg/mL, with a receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.94 (95% confidence interval, 0.91-0.97). Six patients with heart failure diagnosis (11.5%) had N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide values <400 pg/mL. Measurement of natriuretic peptides would avoid 67% of requested echocardiograms. Conclusions. In a community population attended in primary care, the best cut-off point of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide to rule out heart failure was 280 pg/mL. N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide measurement improve work-out diagnosys and could be cost-effectiveness (AU)

Rapid point-of-care NT-proBNP optimal cut-off point for heart failure diagnosis in primary care.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Measurement of natriuretic peptides may be recommended prior to echocardiography in patients with suspected heart failure. Cut-off point for heart failure diagnosis in primary care is not well established. We aimed to assess the optimal diagnostic cut-off value of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide on a community population attended in primary care. METHODS: Prospective diagnostic accuracy study of a rapid point-of-care N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide test in a primary healthcare centre. Consecutive patients referred by their general practitioners to echocardiography due to suspected heart failure were included. Clinical history and physical examination based on Framingham criteria, electrocardiogram, chest X-ray, N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide measurement and echocardiogram were performed. Heart failure diagnosis was made by a cardiologist blinded to N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide value, using the European Society of Cardiology diagnosis criteria (clinical and echocardiographic data). RESULTS: Of 220 patients evaluated (65.5% women; median 74 years [interquartile range 67-81]). Heart failure diagnosis was confirmed in 52 patients (23.6%), 16 (30.8%) with left ventricular ejection fraction <50% (39.6 [5.1]%). Median values of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide were 715 pg/mL [interquartile range 510.5-1575] and 77.5 pg/mL [interquartile range 58-179.75] for patients with and without heart failure respectively. The best cut-off point was 280 pg/mL, with a receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.94 (95% confidence interval, 0.91-0.97). Six patients with heart failure diagnosis (11.5%) had N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide values <400 pg/mL. Measurement of natriuretic peptides would avoid 67% of requested echocardiograms. CONCLUSIONS: In a community population attended in primary care, the best cut-off point of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide to rule out heart failure was 280 pg/mL. N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide measurement improve work-out diagnoses and could be cost-effectiveness.

Telemonitorización no invasiva en pacientes ambulatorios con insuficiencia cardiaca: efecto en el número de hospitalizaciones, días de ingreso y calidad de vida. Estudio CARME (Catalan Remote Management Evaluation) / Noninvasive remote telemonitoring for ambulatory patients with heart failure: effect on number of hospitalizations, days in hospital, and quality of life. CARME (Catalan Remote Management Evaluation) study

Introducción y objetivos. Las estrategias de manejo multidisciplinario en insuficiencia cardiaca (IC) mejoran su evolución. Se evalúa la efectividad de un programa de telemonitorización no invasiva en pacientes ambulatorios con IC controlados en una unidad multidisciplinaria estructurada. Métodos. Estudio prospectivo de intervención con diseño antes/después basado en una plataforma interactiva de telemedicina en pacientes con IC, aleatorizados 1:1 a dos grupos: a) Sistema Motiva con vídeos educativos, mensajes motivacionales y cuestionarios, y b) Sistema Motiva + telemonitorización de presión arterial, frecuencia cardiaca y peso. Se compararon las hospitalizaciones durante 12 meses antes y después de la inclusión. La calidad de vida se evaluó con la escala visual analógica EuroQoL y el cuestionario específico Minnesota Living With Heart Failure Questionnaire. Resultados. Se evaluó a 92 pacientes (el 71% varones; edad, 66,3±11,5 años; el 71% de etiología isquémica). El periodo real de telemonitorización fue de 11,8 [intervalo intercuartílico, 8,6-12] meses. Se enviaron 14.730 cuestionarios, con una tasa mediana de respuesta del 89%. Las hospitalizaciones por IC disminuyeron un 67,8% (p = 0,01) y por otras causas cardiológicas, un 57,6% (p = 0,028). Los días de ingreso hospitalario por IC se redujeron un 73,3% (p = 0,036), sin diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre ambos grupos, y por otras causas cardiológicas, un 82,9% (p = 0,008). La percepción de calidad de vida mejoró significativamente tanto en la escala genérica (p < 0,001) como en el cuestionario específico (p = 0,005). Conclusiones. Los pacientes con IC que utilizaron un sistema interactivo de telemedicina domiciliario con herramientas de soporte motivacional permanecieron menos tiempo en el hospital y percibieron una mejora en su calidad de vida. No hubo diferencias significativas entre los grupos (AU)

Introduction and objectives. Multidisciplinary strategies for the management of heart failure (HF) improve outcomes. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of noninvasive home telemonitoring in ambulatory patients with HF already included in a structured multidisciplinary HF program. Methods. Prospective intervention study with before/after comparison design of an interactive telemedicine platform in HF patients, randomized 1:1 into two groups: A) Motiva System with educational videos, motivational messages, and questionnaires, and B) Motiva System+self monitoring of blood pressure, heart rate, and weight. Hospitalizations were compared over 12 months prior to and post study inclusion. Quality of life was evaluated using the generic EuroQoL visual analogue scale and the specific questionnaire Minnesota Living With Heart Failure Questionnaire. Results. There were 92 patients included (71% male; 66.3±11.5 years; 71% ischemic aetiology). During real-time telemonitoring over 11.8 months (interquartile range, 8.6-12), 14,730 questionnaires were administered with 89% median response rate. Hospitalizations for HF decreased by 67.8% (P=.010) and for other cardiac causes by 57.6% (P=.028). The number of days in hospital for HF decreased by 73.3% (P=.036), without statistically significant differences between groups, and for other cardiac causes by 82.9% (P=.008). The perception of quality of life improved significantly both for the generic scale (P<.001) and for the HF specific questionnaire (P=.005). Conclusions. HF patients who used an interactive telehealth system with motivational support tools at home spent less time in hospital and felt their quality of life had significantly improved. No significant differences were observed between groups (AU)

[Noninvasive remote telemonitoring for ambulatory patients with heart failure: effect on number of hospitalizations, days in hospital, and quality of life. CARME (CAtalan Remote Management Evaluation) study]. / Telemonitorización no invasiva en pacientes ambulatorios con insuficiencia cardiaca: efecto en el número de hospitalizaciones, días de ingreso y calidad de vida. Estudio CARME (CAtalan Remote Management Evaluation).

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Multidisciplinary strategies for the management of heart failure (HF) improve outcomes. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of noninvasive home telemonitoring in ambulatory patients with HF already included in a structured multidisciplinary HF program. METHODS: Prospective intervention study with before/after comparison design of an interactive telemedicine platform in HF patients, randomized 1:1 into two groups: A) Motiva System with educational videos, motivational messages, and questionnaires, and B) Motiva System + self monitoring of blood pressure, heart rate, and weight. Hospitalizations were compared over 12 months prior to and post study inclusion. Quality of life was evaluated using the generic EuroQoL visual analogue scale and the specific questionnaire Minnesota Living With Heart Failure Questionnaire. RESULTS: There were 92 patients included (71% male; 66.3 ± 11.5 years; 71% ischemic aetiology). During real-time telemonitoring over 11.8 months (interquartile range 8.6-12), 14,730 questionnaires were administered with 89% median response rate. Hospitalizations for HF decreased by 67.8% (P = .010) and for other cardiac causes by 57.6% (P = .028). The number of days in hospital for HF decreased by 73.3% (P =.036), without statistically significant differences between groups, and for other cardiac causes by 82.9% (P =.008). The perception of quality of life improved significantly both for the generic scale (P < .001) and for the HF specific questionnaire (P=.005). CONCLUSIONS: HF patients who used an interactive telehealth system with motivational support tools at home spent less time in hospital and felt their quality of life had significantly improved. No significant differences were observed between groups.