An implantable medical device comprises a hermetically sealed casing enclosing electrical stimulation and/or sensing circuitry. A header on the casing comprises a longitudinal receptacle for receiving the electrical connector assembly of an electrical medical lead that senses cardiac blood pressure. The receptacle has electrical contacts engageable by corresponding electrical terminals on the connector assembly. A telemetry circuit assembly, mounted vertically within the confines of the header adjacent to the receptacle, comprises a winding having ends connected across the electrical contacts of the receptacle.