The 'myrhythmdevice.org' educational website for patients with implanted cardiac devices from the European Heart Rhythm Association.

Abstract

The implantation rate of cardiovascular implantable electronic devices (CIED) is steadily increasing.1 The ageing population, the increasing life expectancy, and the technological developments of the last decades have turned the CIED to everyday clinical praxis. Cardiovascular implantable electronic devices are more accessible than ever, and the variety of types and models is large. The choice of the right device is crucial, as it may have significant impact in patients’ private and professional life, but the decision process is not always clear. Hence, active participation of patients on decisions regarding their CIED is important. The approach of patient-centred care is steadily gaining ground in modern health care systems and has been proven to improve the health care outcomes and experiences.2,3 The role of the physician is not anymore limited to making diagnosis and providing treatment. Health care professionals have the duty to educate the patients providing validated, unbiased, and up-to-date information. The patients have an active role in their care, by expressing their will and preferences and by participating in decision-making. The 2021 ESC Guidelines on cardiac pacing and cardiac resynchronization therapy particularly emphasize the need of such an approach.4