Cardiology Services at Covenant Health

Comprehensive heart services close to home.

A doctor listens to her patient's heartbeat using a stethoscope.

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. 

2024 Get With The Guidelines STEMI Gold Plus Target Type 2 NSTEMI Gold Target Type 2

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:   

Arrhythmias and Electrical Disorders

Arrhythmias are conditions that disrupt the heart’s normal rhythm or electrical signaling, leading to irregular heartbeats. These issues can cause symptoms like palpitations, dizziness or fainting and may increase the risk of complications such as stroke or heart failure. Examples include:

  • Atrial fibrillation (Afib)
  • Cardiac arrest
  • Cardiac syncope
Structural Heart Diseases

Structural heart diseases involve abnormalities in the heart’s physical structure, such as its walls, chambers, or valves. These defects can be congenital (present at birth) or acquired, potentially disrupting blood flow, heart function, or electrical activity.

  • Adult congenital heart disease
  • Cardiac tamponade
  • Holes in the heart (e.g., patent foramen ovale (PFO), atrial septal defect (ASD)
Coronary Artery and Ischemic Heart Diseases

Coronary artery and ischemic heart diseases occur when blood flow to the heart muscle is reduced due to narrowed or blocked coronary arteries, often caused by buildup of plaque. This can lead to chest pain, heart attacks or other complications. Examples include:

  • Atherosclerosis
  • Coronary artery disease (CAD)
  • Mesenteric insufficiency
  • Myocardial infarction (heart attack)
Valvular Heart Diseases

Valvular heart diseases affect the function of one or more of the heart’s valves, disrupting blood flow through the heart. These conditions can involve valve narrowing (stenosis), leakage, or improper closure (regurgitation), leading to symptoms like fatigue, shortness of breath or heart failure. Examples include the following:

  • Aortic valve disorders
  • Mitral valve disorders
  • Pulmonary valve disorders
  • Tricuspid valve disorders
Vascular Diseases

Vascular diseases affect the blood vessels, impairing blood flow and increasing the risk of cardiovascular complications. These diseases often involve narrowing, blockage, or weakening of arteries or veins and can lead to serious issues such as heart attack, stroke or limb ischemia. Examples include:

  • Aortic dissection
  • Atherosclerosis
  • Chronic venous insufficiency
  • Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
  • Lymphedema
  • Peripheral artery disease (PAD)
  • Varicose veins
Hypertension and Heart Failure

Hypertension (high blood pressure) occurs when the force of blood against the artery walls is consistently too high, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke and other complications. Over time, it can strain the heart and blood vessels, leading to serious conditions like heart failure.

 

Respiratory Disorders

Respiratory disorders affect the lungs and breathing that can directly impact heart function or result from heart disease. These disorders often cause strain on the heart and lead to complications like pulmonary hypertension or heart failure. Examples include:

  • Pericardial effusion
  • Pneumothorax
  • Pulmonary embolism

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
Learn more about Cardiac Imaging

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
Learn more about electrophysiology

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)
Learn more about interventional cardiology

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)
Learn more about vascular services

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
Learn more about cardiac surgery procedures

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)
Learn more about thoracic surgical procedures
A Covenant Health physical therapist adjusts settings on a stationary bike for her patient.

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.

Greg Womack, Covenant Health Cardiology Patient
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I feel like they genuinely care about the patients, about your well-being, about your family. I consider them family now. I would 100 percent recommend them.

Greg Womack, Covenant Health Cardiology Patient

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If I was somewhere else I don’t think I would have made it, honestly. It makes you thankful every day. To know where I was at, what I couldn’t do, and what I can do now – I’m very, very thankful.

Michael Ensor, Covenant Health Cardiology Patient

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.

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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.

Call 865-374-0411

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