A balloon-like bulge in an artery. If a bulge stretches the artery too far, the vessel can burst. Aneurysms can form in arteries of all sizes, but the most serious are those that affect the large blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to other parts of the body (aorta), the heart’s pumping chamber (ventricle) and arteries that supply blood to the brain.

A type of chest discomfort caused by inadequate blood flow to the heart. It may be experienced as tightness, heavy pressure, squeezing pain or crushing chest pain. The most common cause of angina is coronary artery disease, which is narrowing or blockage of the arteries that supply blood to the heart.

Disorders of heart rate or rhythm that include tachycardia (faster-than-normal heartbeat), bradycardia (abnormally slow heartbeat that may cause palpitations, shortness of breath, fatigue and fainting), and atrial fibrillation (rapid, disorganized contractions of the heart’s upper chambers).

The buildup of fatty deposits, or plaques, in the arteries. The narrowing and stiffening of arteries due to plaque buildup can interfere with blood flow, causing pain in oxygen-starved organs. If a plaque in a coronary artery ruptures, it can cause heart attack or stroke.

When the heart’s muscle tone is damaged, impairing its ability to pump blood. The most common type is dilated cardiomyopathy, in which one or more of the heart’s chambers is enlarged and its pumping becomes less forceful. Other types include hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, in which the walls of the heart muscle thicken, and restrictive cardiomyopathy, in which the heart muscle becomes more rigid.

Discomfort or pain along the front of the body between the neck and upper abdomen. Chest pain may be a symptom of a heart attack or coronary artery disease, but it may also occur due to asthma, pneumonia, muscle strain, anxiety or digestive problems such as heartburn, ulcers or gallstones.

Abnormalities in the heart’s structure and function that are caused by disordered or abnormal heart development before birth. While some abnormalities never cause any problems, many of these defects need to be followed carefully and require treatment such as medication or surgery. The most common congenital heart defect is a ventricular septal defect, a hole in the wall that separates the left and right ventricles of the heart.

A condition in which the heart is weak and has lost some ability to pump blood. Symptoms include shortness of breath, persistent coughing or wheezing, fatigue and swelling in the feet, ankles, legs or abdomen.

Narrowing and hardening of the arteries that supply blood to the heart due to the buildup of plaque in the artery wall. CAD is the most common type of heart disease. The reduced blood flow to the heart can cause angina (chest pain) and heart attack and can contribute to heart failure and arrhythmias.

Sudden blockage of the supply of blood and oxygen to a portion of the heart muscle. Treatments for heart attack work to open the blocked artery and restore blood flow as quickly as possible to limit damage to the heart muscle.

A rasping, whooshing or blowing sound produced by turbulent blood flow through the heart valves or near the heart. Murmurs are most often caused by defective heart valves.

A total cholesterol level above 240 is considered high cholesterol. Total cholesterol between 200 and 239 is considered borderline high. High cholesterol increases your risk of heart disease. Diet and medication can bring down cholesterol levels and reduce heart disease risk.

Normal blood pressure is below 120/80. Blood pressure of 120 to 139 systolic (the top number in a reading) or 80 to 89 diastolic (the bottom number) is considered prehypertension. Blood pressure above 139 systolic or above 89 diastolic is considered high blood pressure. High blood pressure increases the risk of heart attack, stroke and kidney disease.

Atherosclerosis, or narrowing or blockage of arteries due to the buildup of fatty deposits, affecting the arteries that supply blood to the legs and feet.

Any of the heart’s four valves (aortic, mitral, pulmonary, tricuspid) become damaged or diseased, preventing proper blood flow through the heart chambers and potentially leading to serious complications.

Prepare for your visit by filling out these forms ahead of your appointment and bring them with you. This will help us provide you with an efficient visit. Thank you!

We ask that you please arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment. Please bring the following items with you to your visit:

• Your current health insurance information

• Your current Photo ID

• Any medications you are currently taking in their original containers or in a list with dosages and times

Please note: In order to provide efficient care for all of our patients, you may be asked to reschedule your appointment if you do not arrive at least 30 minutes early.

It’s very important that you request your prescription refills during normal business hours before 5 p.m. Monday-Friday. Prescriptions will not be refilled on weekends or holidays.

You can request a refill on the MyCovenantHealth Patient Portal or by calling your pharmacy.

Referrals

Insurers often require a physician referral prior to your visit to Cardiology Associates of East Tennessee. As a courtesy to our patients, we will attempt to contact your primary care physician and request a referral. However, it is your responsibility to confirm that a referral has been obtained before you are seen by our providers.

Precertification

If a test or procedure is ordered by a Cardiology Associates of East Tennessee provider, our staff will obtain a necessary precertification on your behalf. Precertification for any tests or procedures ordered by your own primary care physician is the responsibility of your primary care provider’s office.

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