How CT Calcium Score Screenings Helped Save Tina’s Life
- 5 minute read.
- Last Updated: 7/21/2026
When Tina Livezey went in for her annual checkup, she felt healthy. She had no chest pain, no shortness of breath and no warning signs that anything was wrong. But a simple screening recommended by her primary care provider revealed a serious heart condition she never knew she had.
“If I hadn’t done that test, I might not be here today,” Tina says.
Her story is a powerful reminder that preventive screenings can detect life-threatening problems before symptoms appear.
A New Chapter in Tennessee
Tina, 61, moved to Fairfield Glade after retiring from a 33-year career in medical records. She and her husband, Matt, enjoy spending time outdoors and exploring local hiking trails with their dog.
Following surgery, Tina began cardiac rehabilitation back at Cumberland Medical Center, where she worked closely with specialists to rebuild her strength. Her rehabilitation program included supervised exercise, education about heart-healthy living, and ongoing support from her care team. “They cheer you on,” Tina says. “They make you feel like you can do this.”
Due to a family history of heart disease and breast cancer, Tina knew the importance of staying current on preventive care. After moving to Tennessee, she established care with Elena Cravens, FNP-BC, at Crossville Medical Group, a member of Covenant Health.
During a routine wellness visit, Elena recommended a CT Calcium Score. This is a quick, noninvasive screening that measures calcium buildup in the arteries.
“I trusted Elena’s recommendation and thought it was a good idea,” Tina shares.
An Unexpected Discovery
The scan was performed at Covenant Health’s Cumberland Medical Center. The results showed an extremely elevated score of more than 1,300. This indicates a significant risk of heart disease.
“I was shocked,” Tina recalls. “I felt completely fine. I never imagined something that serious could be going on.”
A member of the medical imaging team at Cumberland Medical Center explains, “Screenings like the CT Calcium Score can identify heart disease before symptoms develop. Sometimes patients feel perfectly healthy, but the scan tells a different story.”
Elena quickly reviewed the results with Tina and referred her to Nicholas Xenopoulos, MD, an interventional cardiologist with Covenant Health’s Cardiology Associates of East Tennessee — Parkwest.
Expert Care and Fast Answers
Dr. Xenopoulos ordered additional testing, including a stress test, echocardiogram and laboratory work. The results confirmed extensive coronary artery disease. Dr. Xenopoulos concluded that Tina needed a quadruple bypass surgery to reduce her risk of a serious cardiac event.
Learning that she needed open-heart surgery was overwhelming. “I went from thinking I was healthy to hearing I needed bypass surgery,” Tina shares. “It was scary, but every member of my care team took the time to explain what was happening and what to expect.”
A Life-Saving Surgery
On March 31, 2026, John Hance, MD, a board-certified cardiothoracic surgeon completed her quadruple bypass surgery at Covenant Health’s Parkwest Medical Center. The surgery was successful, and Tina spent just five days in the hospital before returning home to continue her recovery.
Back to Doing What She Loves
“My cardiologist, my surgeon and the nurses, everyone at Parkwest, took such great care of me,” she says. “I felt safe and supported every step of the way.”
Following surgery, Tina began cardiac rehabilitation back at Cumberland Medical Center, where she worked closely with specialists to rebuild her strength. Her rehabilitation program included supervised exercise, education about heart-healthy living, and ongoing support from her care team. “They cheer you on,” Tina says. “They make you feel like you can do this.”
Just weeks after surgery, Tina returned to hiking with Matt and their dog. “It felt incredible,” she says. “I wasn’t fast, but I was out there. I was moving. I was living my life again.”
Today, Tina remains committed to staying on top of her health, serving her community and encouraging others to do the same.
“If your provider recommends a screening, don’t put it off,” Tina says. “I felt fine. That one test saved my life.”
Get Your Screening with Covenant Health Today
Heart disease often develops without obvious warning signs. A CT Calcium Score screening can help identify hidden risks before symptoms appear.
Learn more about Cardiac Imaging and Diagnostics at Covenant Health.
