Telemedicine: The digital guardian angel for cardiac patients in Salzburg!

Telemedicine: The digital guardian angel for cardiac patients in Salzburg!

More than 380,000 people in Austria have to go to the hospital every year for cardiovascular diseases, which is an alarming number. Heart diseases cause more deaths than cancer, a trend that can also be observed in Germany. The importance of these diseases becomes particularly clear during the annual meeting of the Austrian Cardiological Society (ÖKG), which takes place in Salzburg from June 4 to 7, 2025. This year the focus will be on the congress center, the largest national expert meeting in the field of heart diseases with almost 1,000 participants.

The congress focuses on new approaches to telemedicine to monitor heart patients. Telemedicine enables the safe, wireless data transmission of medical devices such as pacemakers. According to Prof. Gerhard Pölzl, the aim of this technology is constant monitoring of heart patients in order to react early to dangers and to avoid hospitalization. This revolutionized the care of patients, especially for heart failure.

telemonitoring as an innovative form of supply

telemonitoring has already proven to be particularly valuable in the care of chronically ill people, especially in chronic heart failure. This digital form of supply was recognized by the Federal Joint Committee (G-BA) as an independent examination and treatment method. A large part of the costs are borne by the statutory health insurance companies, which facilitates access for patients.

The continuous transfer of relevant health data such as body weight, oxygen saturation and blood pressure in the doctor's electronic case acts helps to adhere to individually defined limit values. This can significantly reduce clinic stays. Prof. Dr. med. Friedrich Köhler emphasizes that a digital care shield can be life -saving for patients with severe heart failure. The latest technologies, such as remote monitoring of blood pressure in pulmonary artery, could recognize dramatic deterioration at an early stage.

growing trust in digital health solutions

In addition, telemedicine is not just a short -term solution, but an integral part of modern medical care. From January 1, 2022, health insurance companies cover the costs of telemedical co-care for heart-weak patients. Projects such as Telemed5000, which aims to develop the supply of several thousand patients, is paved for a AI-based system for the pre-processing of vital data. Up to 5,000 patients should be looked after per telemedicine center.

The TIM HF2 study, which also gained importance during corona apandemia, has shown that telemonatorized patients need fewer inpatient days and the survival rate increases by 27 % in the first year. These findings have been cited over 525 times worldwide and published studies show the potential of telemedicine to improve the quality of life of patients.

Continuous digital monitoring by specially trained nursing staff to support patients also helps to improve the loyalty to therapy. Regular conversations that query medication and complaints are essential for the success of the treatment

Preparations for the congress in Salzburg are already in full swing, and media representatives can accredit themselves in advance. The ÖKG is actively working on the implementation of telemedical standards and supply models, which represent a supplement to personal medical care and help to recognize critical conditions at an early stage.

For more information on this topic, you will find the full articles of OTS , Heart Foundation and Health Research .