A lead (100) for monitoring or simulating cardiac activity is provided. The lead (100) is adapted for implantation on or about the heart within the coronary vasculature and for connection to a signal generator (140). The lead is constructed and arranged so that when it is implanted, the electrodes (122) are housed in the coronary vasculature and urged into intimate contact a vessel wall (128). The lead optionally includes a tapered, flexible lead body portion that is distal to a biased portion.