A system and method for estimating a hemodynamic performance parameter value of a patients heart. The system includes a pulse generator and a medical electrical lead implanted partially within a coronary vein of the heart. The lead includes at least one sensor located within the coronary vein configured to generate a signal indicative of at least one dimensional parameter of the coronary vein. Changes in the dimensional parameter during one or more cardiac cycles are measured. The hemodynamic performance parameter is estimated based on the change in the dimensional parameter of the coronary vein.
