The benefit of a convenient, continuous, objective, and ambulatory method for measuring hemodynamic pressures is widely supported in the management of heart failure. The authors present an implantable hemodynamic monitoring system, as well as nursing considerations, research, and implications.

Heart failure is a clinical syndrome that affects 5 million persons in the United States and results in substantial morbidity and mortality. Despite advances in pharmacological management, 50% of patients with chronic heart failure will die within 5 years of the diagnosis. The progression of left ventricular dysfunction and severe symptomatic decompensation often requiring hospitalization remain essential features of the heart failure syndrome. Heart failure is responsible for 11 million visits to healthcare providers’ offices, causes or contributes to more than 3.5 million hospitalizations annually, and remains the leading cause of hospitalization for those 65 years or older. The estimated economic burden of heart failure is $20 billion to $40 billion...

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