Pacing and ICD therapy in Germany (West and East) before and after reunification in 1989.

In 1989 the two German countries, FRG and GDR, were reunited after 50 years of political separation. During this time, these countries underwent independent, and in parts quite different, developments. While the reunification has had less effect on the overall situation in the Western part of the country, the Eastern part has experienced considerable changes, including the health service. In the field of pacing and ICD therapy, this study finds that 8 years after the reunification, the German federal states of both parts of the country have converged in the field of pacing and ICD therapy.