"HerzCheck" - Detection of Early Heart Failure Using Telemedicine in Structurally Weak Regions

This study is intended to provide a basis for decision-making for the improved medical care of patients with asymptomatic heart failure, especially in structurally weak regions.

The aim of the study is the early detection of asymptomatic heart failure with a quality-assured cardiac screening MRI in the population in structurally weak regions and especially in patients with risk factors for the occurrence of heart failure. The diagnosis is followed by early initiation of appropriate therapeutic measures to improve the prognosis of the affected patients, avoid hospitalisations and save therapy costs, and is combined with recommended measures to minimise risk factors for the development of heart failure. The project includes a prospective, monocentric, randomised controlled clinical trial with blinded assessment of the endpoint (PROBE design). Within the scope of the study, 4,509 patients aged between 40 and 69 years who have characteristic risk factors for the development of heart failure were examined using a mobile cardiac screening MRI in the federal states of Brandenburg and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania within Germany.