Remote control improves quality of life in elderly pacemaker patients versus standard ambulatory-based follow-up

Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) improves shortly after pacemaker (PM) implantation. No studies have investigated the HRQoL trend for elderly patients with a remote device monitoring follow-up system.

Using EuroQol-5D Questionnaire and the PM-specific Assessment of Quality of Life and Related Events Questionnaire, HRQoL was measured at baseline and then repeatedly during the 6 months following PM implantation in a cohort of 42 consecutive patients. Twenty-five patients were followed-up with standard outpatient visits, while 17 used a remote monitoring system.

Aquarel scores were significantly higher in patients with remote device monitoring system regarding chest discomfort and arrhythmia subscales the first month after PM implant and remained stable until 6 months. Remote monitoring affected the rate of HRQoL improvement in the first 3 months after pacemaker implantation more than ambulatory follow-up.

Remote device monitoring has a significant impact on HRQoL in pacemaker patients, increasing its levels up to 6 months after implant.