[Present and future relevance of telemedicine in cardiac arrhythmia emergencies].

BACKGROUND

The use of remote monitoring has increased due to recently published randomised studies. However, its benefit during acute rhythm disorders still remains controversial.

OBJECTIVES

The current review describes the current status and highlights possible application of telemedicine during acute rhythm disorders.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The prerequisites, structural properties of the sender/patient and the receiver of the data/physician are examined and the results of the current literature are presented.

RESULTS

Telemedicine during emergency rhythm disorders are normally reserved for specific scenarios. The lack of 24/7 staff of the receiver/hospital represents the main barrier.

CONCLUSIONS

Remote medicine in the current form is not yet ready to be implemented for acute rhythm disorders. Expansion of currently existing chest pain units (CPUs) might enable this 24/7 service in the near future.