In Case You Missed It: Key Moments from Heart Rhythm 2024

The 45th annual Heart Rhythm Society (HRS) meeting, Heart Rhythm 2024, convened in Boston and online, drawing more than 8,400 professionals from cardiac care and electrophysiology. This year's meeting marked a record-breaking number of late-breaking abstract submissions, reflecting the state of innovation in electrophysiology.  

Key Theme: Alert-Based Monitoring  

Addressing the data burden in clinics, alert-based monitoring sends only device-based alerts to providers, eliminating routine quarterly checks. This ensures timely responses to critical alerts, provided connectivity is consistent. Critical considerations include programming, education, financial impact, and reimbursement.  

Key Theme: Data and Analytics Innovation: 

Industry thought leaders highlighted next-gen data analytics in cardiac care at HRS 2024.  

• Dr. Prash Sanders, MDDS, PhD, FHRS, from the University of Adelaide, highlighted how real-time monitoring and data analysis transform clinical decisions and patient outcomes. 
   
• Dr. Anne Kroman, DO, PhD from the Medical University of South Carolina, discussed preventing and managing CIED infections using real-world applications. She emphasized partnering with vendors who provide research-grade data analytics to ensure optimal patient outcomes. 
   
• Theresa McIlraith, Lead Cardiac Device Specialist at Piedmont Atlanta Hospitals, highlighted the benefits of real-time EHR and device data synchronization, reducing manual entry and errors, and improving patient care through proactive monitoring.  
   
• Dr. James Freeman, MD, MPH, MSci, Yale School of Medicine, explored how data analytics can enhance understanding of ICD battery longevity and inform clinical decisions. 

Key Theme: Heart Failure Management 

Effective heart failure management requires a multidisciplinary care team. Traditional techniques like weight tracking are insufficient for early detection of exacerbations. Clear routing assignments between HF specialists and EPs ensure proper data and alert management. Defined roles for EPs, HF specialists, and clinic staff, who manage day-to-day patient interactions, are essential to prevent patients from falling through the cracks.  

Key Theme: The Future of Remote Monitoring  

Standardized alerts, remote programming, and AI are critical elements for modernizing remote monitoring. Standardizing alerts supports alert-based monitoring and ensures consistency for patients. Remote programming can eliminate unnecessary in-clinic checks, while AI reduces noise from ILRs and helps predict disease, easing the burden on clinic staff. 

Looking Ahead 

As we reflect on Heart Rhythm 2024, we remain dedicated to pushing the boundaries of digital healthcare solutions. Our mission is to modernize healthcare with compassion, ensuring patients remain at the heart of all innovations. 

Stay connected with PaceMate for ongoing updates and insights from the forefront of cardiac remote monitoring. Together, we never miss a beat.®