Importance of Imaging in Work up of Cardiovascular Diseases by Using Telemedicine in Rural India.

Background Cardiovascular diseases have emerged as an epidemic in India. Telemedicine is a useful tool for sending ECG, x-ray and ultrasound images to telemedicine centre for diagnosis and management of cardiovascular diseases in rural areas as it overcomes the distance barrier. Methods National Heart Institute collaborated with Hospital Guide Foundation (HGF) Jewar, Greater Noida for conducting telemedicine sessions. Two hundred patients were analysed during time span of June 2018 to August 2019. Imaging tools like ECG, Chest X- ray and ultrasound were studied besides usual laboratory parameters. Results Important ECG abnormalities included LVH (10.9%), ischemia (10.1%), LBBB (2.4%), RBBB (3.9%), p- mitrale (1.5%), hyperkalaemia (2.3%) besides normal ECGs (56.2%). Chest x- ray revealed features of COPD (8.3%), cardiomegaly (6.9%), hilar shadows (6.9%), bronchitis (2.7%) and prominent broncho -vascular markings (6.9%). Ultrasound abdomen showed hepatomegaly (23.2%), fatty liver (15.1%), gallstones (2%). bilateral renal stone / left or right renal stone (42.4 %). Conclusion Telecardiology/ Teleradiology are important and useful imaging tools in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases in rural India.