Cardiology Services at Covenant Health
Comprehensive heart services close to home.
![A doctor listens to her patient's heartbeat using a stethoscope.](https://www.covenanthealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Primary-Care-Checkup_223.jpg)
East Tennessee’s Trusted Choice for Heart and Vascular Care
Your heart is more than a muscle — it’s the lifebeat of your very being. If you experience unusual heart symptoms or a serious cardiac event, you need care you can trust, delivered in a compassionate environment by experienced medical professionals.
As East Tennessee’s leader in cardiac services, Covenant Health Heart Centers provide expert care to more than 107,000 heart patients throughout our region each year. Our network of nine hospitals and 25 cardiology practices offers the latest advances in cardiology, including cardiac imaging, interventional cardiology, cardiovascular surgery, and rehabilitation.
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Award-Winning Cardiac Care
Covenant Health consistently receives recognition from the American Heart Association. In 2024, our Heart Centers received these distinctions:
Mission: Lifeline STEMI Gold Receiving Plus Awards: Covenant Heatlh Fort Sanders Regional, Covenant Health Methodist
STEMI Gold Plus Achievement: Covenant Health Morristown-Hamblen, Covenant Health Parkwest
These designations mean we provide excellent care to patients experiencing severe heart attacks. We follow proven quality standards for life-savng care such as timely administration of medication, prompt intervention, and comprehensive discharge planning.
In addition, we have multiple cardiac rehabilitation programs accredited by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation.
Our Heart Centers and Cardiologists
With over 25 locations across Knoxville and East Tennessee, Covenant Health offers more heart in more places, ensuring you have access to expert cardiologists and state-of-the-art facilities close to home. Find a location near you.
Heart Conditions Treated
Our hearts and our vascular systems (those related to blood flow) are complex. They can be affected by a variety of heart conditions, with symptoms ranging from almost invisible to life-threatening. Here are just some of the conditions we treat:
Cardiology Procedures and Treatments
The heart hospitals and medical practices of Covenant Health offer a full spectrum of cardiac services, from outpatient testing and interventional cardiology to open-heart surgery and cardiac rehabilitation.
Cardiac Imaging and Diagnostics
Cardiac imaging and diagnostics involves non-invasive and invasive techniques to assess the structure, function and health of the heart and surrounding blood vessels. These tests help detect conditions like coronary artery disease, valve disorders and arrhythmias, aiding in accurate diagnosis and treatment. Common examples include:
- Cardiac CT Scans
- Cardiac MRI
- Coronary Angiograms
- Echocardiograms
- Nuclear Stress Tests
Electrophysiology
Electrophysiology focuses on diagnosing and treating heart rhythm disorders (arrhythmias) by studying the heart’s electrical activity. Electrophysiology procedures help pinpoint irregular electrical signals in the heart and restore normal rhythm through interventions. Common examples include:
- Catheter Ablation
- Electrocardiograms (ECG/EKG)
- Electrophysiology (EP) Studies
- Holter Monitoring
- Implantation of Pacemakers
Interventional Cardiology
Interventional cardiology involves minimally invasive procedures using catheters to diagnose and treat heart and blood vessel conditions without open-heart surgery. These techniques are often used to restore blood flow, repair structural issues or treat valve disorders. Common examples include:
- Interventional Cardiac Stenting
- MitraClip Procedures
- Patent Foramen Ovale Closure (PFO)
- Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI)
- Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)
Vascular Diagnostics and Interventions
Vascular diagnostics involves tests and treatments to evaluate and address diseases affecting blood vessels, including arteries, veins and lymphatics. These techniques help diagnose conditions like blockages, aneurysms or varicose veins and restore healthy circulation. Common examples include:
- Angiography
- Atherectomy
- Endarectomy (Carotid artery surgery
- Thrombectomy
- Vascular Ultrasound (Duplex or Doppler Studies)
Cardiovascular Surgery
Our cardiovascular surgeons specialize in surgical treatments for heart and blood vessel conditions. Using advanced technology and techniques, we provide life-saving care to restore heart function, improve blood flow and enhance overall health. Common cardiovascular surgeries include:
- Aortic and Mitral Valve Replacement
- Convergent Ablations
- Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG)
- Heart Failure Surgeries
- MAZE for Atrial Fibrillation
Thoracic Surgery
Our cardiothoracic surgeons specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the lungs, esophagus, chest wall and diaphragm. Using advanced surgical techniques, we provide care for both benign and complex thoracic conditions to improve breathing, treat cancer, and enhance quality of life. Common procedures include:
- Diaphragm Plication
- Esophagectomy
- Lung Cancer Surgery
- Lung Resection (Lobectomy, Segmentectomy, Wedge)
- Pulmonary Thromboendarterectomy (PTE)
![A Covenant Health physical therapist adjusts settings on a stationary bike for her patient.](https://www.covenanthealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Covenant-Health-Physical-Therapy-4300_1974.jpg)
Cardiac Rehabilitation at Covenant Health
Leaving the hospital is just the first step in recovering from a heart attack, heart surgery or angioplasty. Heart patients often need to strengthen weakened heart muscles and learn heart-healthy lifestyle practices. Through customized programs of monitored exercise, education, and counseling, cardiac rehabilitation offers a supportive environment to help heart patients regain strength and functional capacity while reducing the risk of future heart problems.
A Story of Strength
With a large family including seven children and 43 grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Kim Arnott has a lot to live for. He and his wife enjoy spending time outdoors, which is where he first experienced some chest pain. A visit to his physician showed he needed urgent heart bypass surgery. After a speedy recovery, Arnott completed cardiac rehab at Covenant Health-South and is back to enjoying life with his family.
Why Choose Covenant Health for Heart Care?
If you’ve experienced unusual heart symptoms, been diagnosed with a heart condition, or had a more serious “cardiac event,” you’ve likely felt emotions like concern, worry, or even fear. The heart care professionals at Covenant Health understand. You want assurance that you’re receiving the best medical treatment possible from skilled experts who care about your heart — and about you. Interventional cardiologist Briana Costello, MD, shares why she would trust Covenant Health for her family’s heart care.
Frequently Asked Questions
We are committed to patient education and transparency in our care. If you can’t find an answer to your question, please contact our Customer Care Center at 865-374-0411.
What are the symptoms of heart disease?
Symptoms of heart disease can vary based on the specific condition, but common signs include:
- Chest pain or discomfort (angina): Often feels like pressure, tightness, or squeezing in the chest, especially during physical activity or stress.
- Shortness of breath: May occur during activity, rest, or while lying flat.
- Fatigue: Persistent tiredness, even with minimal exertion.
- Swelling (edema): Particularly in the legs, ankles, or feet, often linked to heart failure.
- Heart palpitations or dizziness: Common with arrhythmias or irregular heartbeats.
- Radiating pain: Chest pain that spreads to the arms, neck, jaw, or back, often associated with coronary artery disease.
If you notice these symptoms, consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and treatment.
What are heart attack symptoms in men and women?
Heart attack symptoms can differ between men and women:
Common Symptoms in Men:
- Chest pain or pressure, often described as a squeezing or heaviness.
- Pain that radiates to the arms, shoulders, neck, jaw, or back.
- Shortness of breath.
Common Symptoms in Women:
- Chest discomfort, but it may feel less severe or atypical.
- Nausea, vomiting, or indigestion-like symptoms.
- Fatigue, dizziness, or lightheadedness.
- Pain in the back, jaw, or neck.
If you suspect a heart attack, seek medical help immediately, as prompt treatment can save lives.
What is open-heart surgery?
Open-heart surgery is a procedure where the chest is opened to allow direct access to the heart. It is typically performed to repair or replace heart valves, bypass blocked arteries, or correct congenital heart defects that cannot be treated with minimally invasive approaches.
How do I schedule a cardiology appointment?
Cardiology appointments require a physician order. Our Customer Care Center can guide you through the process and help you find the right heart specialist close to home. Call us today.