An implanted sensor allows a rural Missouri resident to monitor her heart failure remotely, reducing the need for frequent hospital visits and improving her quality of life.
Key facts
- •Angie Lindsey suffered a massive heart attack in 2019 that resulted in congestive heart failure.
- •The CardioMEMS HERO Device is a paperclip-sized sensor that requires no battery and can last the life of the patient.
- •Lindsey’s daily readings take less than five minutes to complete.
- •The device allows doctors to adjust medication remotely to manage fluid retention and heart pressure.
- •Lindsey has returned to activities including traveling and painting since adopting the remote monitoring technology.
After suffering a massive heart attack in 2019, Angie Lindsey developed congestive heart failure that required long-distance travel for specialized care. She now uses an implanted remote monitoring device to track her heart health from her home in rural Missouri. This technology allows her care team at Mercy Hospital South to adjust her treatment plan without requiring her to drive hours for frequent check-ups.
By the numbers
Managing Heart Failure Remotely
In April 2026, Lindsey received an Abbott CardioMEMS HERO Device, a paperclip-sized sensor implanted near the heart. The device measures pulmonary artery pressure and transmits the data to her medical team. By lying on a specialized pad or pillow each morning, Lindsey triggers a radio-frequency signal that sends her pressure readings to her doctors.
Impact on Patient Care
Dr. Charles Carey, medical director of the heart failure program at Mercy South, notes that the device helps clinicians adjust medication, such as diuretics, to prevent symptoms before they require emergency care. The system provides daily data that physical exams alone cannot capture, which is particularly beneficial for patients living in rural areas far from specialized medical facilities.
Personal Recovery and Activities
Since receiving the device, Lindsey has avoided hospitalizations and regained the ability to travel and pursue hobbies, including watercolor painting. She has participated in local art shows and plans to travel to Arlington, Texas, and San Francisco. Lindsey reports that the daily monitoring provides the confidence needed to maintain an active lifestyle.
Timeline
- 2019Angie Lindsey suffered a massive heart attack and was later diagnosed with congestive heart failure.
- January 2026Lindsey experienced severe fluid retention, gaining 29 pounds in 12 days.
- April 2026Lindsey received an implanted CardioMEMS HERO Device to monitor her heart health remotely.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Healthline.
