A Heart Event That Changed Everything: Matt’s Story

A lifelong Crossville resident shares quick action, compassionate care and advanced cardiac treatment at Cumberland Medical Center saved his life.

Matt Swearengen is no stranger to hospital visits and health crises. In 2016, during a hernia repair at Cumberland Medical Center, the surgeon discovered he had renal cell carcinoma. As a cancer survivor, Matt learned early on not to take a single day for granted, carrying a deep appreciation for the moments and people that matter most. That perspective would become even more important years later, when an unexpected heart event put his life in jeopardy once again.

The Morning Everything Changed

On the morning of Jan. 9, 2026, 63-year-old Matt felt an intense chest pressure he could not ignore. As he sat with his morning coffee, a cold, clammy sweat washed over him. He felt pain wrapping around his back and shooting down his left arm. He said, “It felt ‑like a hammer hitting my elbow.”

With a history of hypertension and type 2 diabetes, Matt knew something was very wrong.

His wife, Grace, is an ICU manager at Cumberland Medical Center. She knew the steps to take. She administered nitroglycerin, a medication commonly used to relieve chest pain by widening the blood vessels and improving blood flow to the heart. When his symptoms did not ease Grace drove him straight to the Emergency Department. During that drive, Matt recalled wondering if he would ever return home.

A Race Against Time

He was taken back immediately. The team ran labs, did an EKG, and checked his troponin levels. As the room filled with activity, Matt glanced at Grace and saw a mix of worry and fear.

“When I saw that look on her face, that is when I knew this was real,” he said. “Grace has spent many years in critical care. She is calm in every crisis. But in that moment, she was scared for me.”

Within minutes, the emergency team and interventional cardiologist confirmed he was having a cardiac event. He was rushed to the Cath Lab, where the team placed two stents that same day. Knowing his history with renal cell carcinoma, the team monitored his kidney function closely.

“Everything moved fast,” Matt said. “I was scared, but the nurses and Cath lab team never left my side.”

After the initial procedure, Matt was taken to the ICU for close monitoring. His condition remained fragile. He experienced episodes of atrial fibrillation and supraventricular tachycardia — dangerous rhythms that made it impossible for the team to safely complete the rest of his catheterization on Tuesday. He simply wasn’t stable enough.

By Tuesday, once his rhythm was better controlled, the team brought him back to the Cath Lab and placed his remaining two stents.

Compassion in the ICU

Following the second procedure, Matt returned to the ICU, where he spent several days surrounded by a team he describes as skilled, compassionate, and unwavering. He praised his care team, stating:

• “Mathieu kept things real with me. He was there during the good and the hard moments.”
• “When things started to go south, Cara caught the changes in my rhythm right away. She acted fast, and I knew I was in good hands.”

“During those days, I saw the whole ICU caring for every patient the same way they cared for me. They had hearts. They had passion. The care was genuine.”

A New Outlook on Life

When Matt was discharged, he left grateful, healing and determined to live differently.

He began cardiac rehabilitation. “The education on proper nutrition and the camaraderie and support in cardiac rehab is invaluable,” he said. “It gives you strength, confidence and a community that understands what you are going through.”

He and Grace share a passion for traveling and volunteering. His dream is to take her to Scotland, a trip he says will mean even more now.

Why CMC Matters to Matt

For Matt, Cumberland Medical Center is not just a hospital. It is home. His mother worked there for more than 50 years. He ran the halls as a child, raised his family in Crossville, and trusted the hospital through joint replacements, cancer treatment and now a cardiac emergency.

He says having the hospital right here at home is vital to this community. “You can get world class care right here in Crossville. Cumberland Medical saved my life back when I had cancer, and they saved my life again with my cardiac event,” he said.

Your Heart Health Matters

Matt’s story is a powerful reminder that recognizing symptoms early and seeking care quickly can save lives. Matt is now followed by Cumberland Cardiology, a team he praises often. With a strong family history of heart disease, he says having a trusted cardiology team matters more than ever. If you have concerns about your heart health, Covenant Health offers advanced cardiac services, expert providers, and compassionate care close to home.

Learn more or find a cardiology provider today: Covenant Health Cardiology Services