Your Heart and Your Heart Surgery

You can trust your heart to the caring experts at Covenant Health’s network of top-quality medical facilities

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Your Heart and Your Heart Surgery at Covenant Health in Tennessee

When you need heart surgery in Tennessee, you can rely on the caring experts and top-notch technology at our award-winning Covenant Health facilities. 

At Covenant Health, we are deeply committed to the overall health and wellness of the Tennessee communities we’re honored to serve. 

If you’re in need of heart surgery, you may need more information about this vital organ and how it works. At Covenant Health, we believe knowledge is power. That’s why we want you to be informed about your heart and its functions, to be able to make the best healthcare decisions for you.

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young female doctor talking to patient

Covenant Health is passionate about caring for you and your heart

The heart is a muscular organ that sits in the center of your chest and is protected by the sternum (breastbone). Its job is to pump blood, rich with oxygen and other nutrients, to all parts of the body.

The heart is divided into four chambers. The two upper chambers receive blood from the veins – called atria. The two lower chambers pump blood out of the heart – called ventricles.

There are four valves in the heart that act as one-way doors to direct the blood flow through the heart and blood vessels.  Healthy valve leaflets are perfectly formed thin tissue that open and close as your heart relaxes and contracts. 

A wall called the septum divides the heart into the right and left sides.

Blood from the right side of the heart is pumped to the lungs to get fresh oxygen. The blood is then pumped to the left side of the heart where the main pumping chamber (the left ventricle) pumps the oxygenated blood to all parts of the body.

The heart muscle itself must have a blood supply of its own. The heart receives its blood supply with oxygen and nutrients from the coronary arteries.

Three main arteries lie on the surface of the heart and divide into smaller branches. Each branch nourishes a different part of the heart muscle.

Common Heart Issues Treated at Covenant Health Facilities

Atrial Fibrillation
Coronary Artery Disease
Valvular Heart Disease

Cardiac Procedures and Surgeries Available at Covenant Health Facilities

Ablation or “Cox-Maze” Procedure for Atrial Fibrillation
Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery
Heart Valve Surgery
Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery (OPCAB)

Information on Anticoagulation Measures Following Your Heart Surgery at Covenant Health

When you go home after your heart surgery, your surgeon will prescribe an anticoagulant (blood thinner) if you have an abnormal heart rhythm or a mechanical valve replacement.  

Routine blood tests will be needed to monitor the effects of this drug. Your surgeon will give you very specific instructions about the dosage and when to have your blood tested. Your dietitian, pharmacist, and nurse will also educate you on a specific diet, side effects and monitoring.

Covenant Health is proud to be our Tennessee region’s top-performing healthcare network. To learn more about cardiac issues, treatment, and resources near you, view our listing of Covenant Health cardiologists by location, and learn about Covenant Health facilities offering cardiology services. You can also use our helpful physician search tool to locate a Covenant Health cardiologist near you.

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With as much good as TAVR surgery does, I don’t know why anybody who’s having problems wouldn’t do it.

Roy Ogle, Covenant Health’s First TAVR Patient

TAVR

two surgeons with arms around each other looking at surgery schedule board
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Dr. Riedel saved my life. He was the one who made the call, just for peace of mind, to do that heart cath. The hospitals are just the best I’ve ever been in, I’ve never had a bad experience.

Chris Tatum, Covenant Patient

Heart Catheterization

senior male patient exercises on treadmill while holding weights as senior male doctor observes
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Cardiac rehab at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center has helped strengthen my heart and helped renew my spirit.

Jessie Hood, Covenant Patient

Cardiac Rehabilitation

A Not-For-Profit, Community-Owned Healthcare System

We are committed to improving the quality of life in East Tennessee through better health. In partnership with our generous donors, Covenant’s 10,000+ employees, physicians, and volunteers are providing the very best care for our patients and their families.

Covenant Health