ABBOTT PARK, Ill., Dec. 2, 2020 – Managing heart failure – a disease that impacts six million Americans and is expected to double by 2030 – is a top concern for cardiologists across the United States as the full extent of the pandemic’s impact on cardiac health remains unknown.

A recent survey of practicing healthcare providers conducted on behalf of Abbott, confirms that the majority of doctors are concerned about the impact of COVID-19 on heart failure patients. More than half (55%) of all cardiologists also believe heart failure will develop at an increasing rate, most notably among those with pre-existing conditions (obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes) and adults 65+. The survey of 285 U.S. cardiologists, physicians and surgeons also revealed that early detection and remote monitoring are key to managing heart failure:

• While only one in five providers have experience using remote monitoring devices with complex care patients—such as those with heart failure —more than half (55%) want to treat patients remotely.

• The majority of cardiologists surveyed (67%) believe that remote monitoring can enhance early detection in heart failure patients.

• More than half (65%) of all cardiologists believe remote monitoring can reduce the risk of hospitalization or emergency care – ultimately, protecting heart failure patients from potential COVID-19 exposure.

"Conditions like heart failure can become serious within a matter of weeks or months. Now is the time to double down on preventive care, detection and virtual care management," said Philip B. Adamson, M.D., divisional vice president and chief medical officer of Abbott’s heart failure business. "In the midst of the pandemic, nearly two in three cardiologists are concerned that patients aren’t getting care when it’s needed. Fortunately, there are proven solutions for this unprecedented moment. Remote monitoring is one tool that empowers patients to be more involved in their own care, which will be critical in the year ahead."

PARTNERING WITH HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS ON TOOLS AND TRAINING PROGRAMS

Based on physician feedback around their needs at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Abbott has worked to support the efforts of doctors, hospitals and health systems by providing new tools and training programs – including training on hospital preparedness and safely managing COVID-19 patients on life support. The company is also sharing best practices with hospitals and clinics as they work to build remote monitoring programs to manage patients with existing comorbidities such as heart failure.

Abbott’s cardiovascular businesses are currently focused on supporting physicians and hospitals in the following key areas:

• Virtual education events. Over the past nine months, Abbott has hosted numerous industry-wide webinars on topics such as how hospitals can safely resume important elective procedures.

• Remote proctoring. Abbott has developed a process to virtually support physicians during clinical cases of critical device implants. This allows Abbott personnel to be "present" during procedures to answer questions from physicians and nurses while avoiding potential risk to vulnerable patients.

• Remote monitoring program support. The COVID-19 pandemic has pushed many clinics and hospitals to adapt quickly and implement remote monitoring technology. Abbott is partnering with clinics and hospitals to better leverage technology such as the CardioMEMS™ HF System and the Gallant™ HF CRT-D with smart phone connectivity to support remote monitoring of heart failure patients.

In addition, Abbott’s diagnostics businesses have contributed seven tests for COVID-19 to the U.S. testing infrastructure, which is helping hospitals resume operations and supporting efforts to keep more patients and healthcare providers safe by identifying infections or those who had a previous infection.

These efforts have helped practicing providers increase their comfort level and familiarity with new innovations. The survey found most providers expect up to a third of all patient visits will remain virtual in 2021 and beyond. In particular, the survey found:

• Seventy-nine percent of cardiologists are interested in increasing their use of remote monitoring devices among patients.

• Seventy-five percent of providers say their organization will encourage complex care patients to use remote care as much as possible.

• Nearly half (44%) of the providers surveyed plan to adapt or expand their virtual care capabilities in 2021.

Resources to Learn More:

Cardiologists and other healthcare providers can visit Abbott.com/HeartMatters for more resources on the latest innovations and solutions designed for patients with heart failure.

Survey Methodology:

The survey was conducted in July and August 2020 among currently practicing healthcare providers. Respondents included 285 U.S. physicians/surgeons (100 Cardiologists, 96 Other Specialists, 89 Generalists). Abbott was not revealed as the sponsor.

For U.S. important safety information on the CardioMEMS HF System, visit abbott.com/isi.

For U.S. important safety information on Gallant, visit abbott.com.

About Abbott:

Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines. Our 107,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.

Connect with us at www.abbott.com, on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/abbott-/, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Abbott and on Twitter @AbbottNews.