When Marge Moncrief received her cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) device, she was hoping for relief from her heart failure symptoms. She wasn't disappointed. As she explained, "Before, I couldn't even walk across the street. Now I feel young again. I just feel good."

Heart failure is a condition in which the heart cannot pump enough blood or oxygen to meet the body's needs—sometimes because the heart's contractions are not coordinated. A CRT device can help coordinate the pumping of the heart's lower chambers. In many patients, the device can improve symptoms like shortness of breath, as it did for Marge.

But an added benefit for Marge was receiving the LATITUDE® Patient Management system along with her CRT device. This system uses a small piece of equipment called a Communicator to remotely gather data from Marge's heart failure device. Device data are then sent through her phone line to a secure website that her doctor can view.

Marge, who is 69, uses the new system whether she's at home in Minnesota or on one of the many trips she takes with her husband, Bob. When Marge is away from home, she simply takes her LATITUDE Communicator with her, and plugs it into a phone line in her hotel room, for example. Having the system with her allows her doctor to check her device function from afar.*

"It has given me the ability to travel" said Marge, "and know my doctor is almost by my side."

That's important to Marge and Bob, who are often on the go. They spend their summers in Minnesota and their winters in Arizona. Marge explained that she received her CRT device in autumn of 2005. "I had my first post-implant device check on November 9th, and we left for Arizona on November 11th."

Marge said she feels lucky for two reasons. First, because her CRT device has relieved some of her symptoms. "I didn't have a life before," she said. "Breathing was difficult. I felt like I had a ton of weight on me."

What about after the device implant? "The weight is gone. I can breathe again. I can take walks again. I feel young again."

And finally, Marge said she feels lucky to have the LATITUDE Patient Management system. "It has given me freedom," she said. "And it has given my husband and family peace of mind."

* LATITUDE remote monitoring is available within the continental United States, Alaska and Hawaii
Note: Individual symptoms, situations, and circumstances may vary. Please consult your physician or qualified health provider regarding your condition and appropriate medical treatment. The information provided is not intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment or as a substitute for professional medical advice.