Telecardiology in heart failure

„Ex oriente lux” Congratulations to the authors of this first textbook focusing on the new, emerging field of telecardiology. This textbook is a very important step to spread more knowledge to clinical cardiologists – from the basics to practical issues of this new facet of digital cardiology. For me it is not a surprise that this important textbook was written and published in Poland first. Pioneer work in the field, e.g. the TELEREH-HF trial, was performed in a nationwide network of telemedical centers. Moreover, the Polish colleagues are working hard and with open mind. So, there is a constant exchange of new ideas even from abroad and the cooperation with international experts, which represents another success factor for the telecardiology in Poland. Finally, the translation of this textbook into English is a consistent next step taken to extend its audience for the benefit of our patients. Friedrich Köhler Berlin, Charite. 2020-05-06 Heart failure remains a significant challenge for health care systems worldwide. As the medical world strives to reduce the incidence of this disease and provide patients with more comprehensive care, the telemanagement of heart failure patients offers a promising solution. This book presents the role of different forms of e-Health – including e-education and self-monitoring, internet/mobile applications, structured telephone support, telemonitoring, telerehabilitation, remote monitoring of cardiovascular implantable electronic devices, and haemodynamic implantable electronic devices – in providing optimal longterm management of heart failure patients. Introducing telecardiology to everyday clinical practice requires educating both patients and medical teams (physicians, nurses, physiotherapists, psychologists). In this respect, it is a unique book devoted to the use of remote monitoring in the comprehensive care of heart failure patients. The role of telemedicine in the management of chronic diseases is supported by European, American, and international scienti c societies. I would like to congratulate the authors of this magnificent book, which will be extremely useful to fellow cardiologists as well as our cardiac patients. Alexandru Mischie MD, PhD, FESC, FAHA / Cardiologist Head of Interv. Cardiology Department Centre Hospitalier Montlucon, France Chair of the Tele-Cardiology WG International Society for Telemedicine & e-Health Board Member&Communication CNCH Past-Secretary of the ESC-ACVC