CardioMEMS is an implanted pulmonary artery pressure monitoring system used for selected patients with heart failure. It can help identify rising pressures before symptoms become severe, allowing clinicians to adjust treatment earlier.
This service should be presented as evaluation and coordination, unless the clinic directly implants and manages CardioMEMS. The wording should avoid implying every heart failure patient is a candidate.
Symptoms patients may notice
- Recurrent heart failure symptoms or repeated fluid overload episodes
- Shortness of breath, swelling, rapid weight gain, or fatigue
- Recent or recurrent heart failure hospitalizations
- Difficulty maintaining stable fluid balance despite treatment
How we evaluate this condition
- Heart failure history, ejection fraction, hospitalization history, and medication review
- Assessment of candidacy for advanced heart failure monitoring
- Coordination with an implanting center or heart failure team if appropriate
Treatment and care options
- Medication adjustment based on pressure trends when managed through an appropriate monitoring program
- Sodium, fluid, weight, and symptom tracking
- Advanced heart failure referral when needed
When to seek urgent care
Call 911 for severe shortness of breath, chest pain, fainting, or rapidly worsening heart failure symptoms.
Ask whether advanced heart failure monitoring is appropriate for you.