Table 1

In and exclusion criteria IN TOUCH

Inclusion criteria

Worsening HF defined as signs of fluid retention (peripheral oedema/congestion)

needing an increase of the dose of diuretics (i.v. or oral)

Evidence for structural underlying heart disease

Documented reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤45%

18 years of age

Patients have to be able to understand content of and willing to provide informed

consent.

Exclusion criteria

History of myocardial infarction in the previous month

Life expectation less than 1 year

Undergone cardiac invasive intervention within the last 6 months (PCI, CABG, HTX, valve replacement, CRT implantation)

A planned procedure for PCI, CABG, HTX, CRT implantation or valve replacement in the following 3 months

Evaluation for heart transplantation prior to or during the study

Weight more than 200 kilogram

The use of telemonitoring devices at home

Haemodialysis

de Vries et al. BMC Health Services Research 2011 11:167   doi:10.1186/1472-6963-11-167