Ascension Saint Thomas Heart West Comprehensive Heart Failure and Transplant Center

Cardiologists and cardiovascular surgeons at Ascension Saint Thomas Heart West Comprehensive Heart Failure and Transplant Center in Nashville, Tennessee, have the expertise to deliver the right diagnosis and advanced care for all types of heart failure. Your doctors and care team provide the latest heart testing, treatment and surgical care, including heart transplantation, if needed for congestive heart failure. 

A national leader in heart care

Ascension Saint Thomas Heart has several heart failure and transplant center locations: Nashville, Murfreesboro, Franklin, Chattanooga, Paris, Clarksville and Knoxville. You get an experienced cardiac team that is a part of the largest cardiovascular network in the region.

Cardiovascular disease, such as narrowed or blocked coronary arteries, high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation (AFib), a leaky heart valve, cancer treatments, and inherited conditions, can cause congestive heart failure. Our goal through management and treatment is to help improve your heart function and help relieve your symptoms. At your first appointment, we start by listening to understand you and your health concerns. Then, your doctor may recommend comprehensive heart failure testing, including: 

•  Cardiac nuclear imaging
•  Echocardiogram (TTE)
•  Exercise stress testing
•  Stress echocardiograms
•  Transesophageal echocardiograms (TEE)
•  24-hour ambulatory EKG monitoring with Holter device

We explain your diagnosis and work with you to create a personalized, comprehensive heart care plan. Our heart specialists at Ascension Saint Thomas sites of care have the expertise to deliver medication management (including remote patient monitoring) and connect you to advanced medication therapies and treatments, as needed, such as:

• ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, if needed)
• Heart transplant
• Remote hemodynamic monitoring and telehealth
• Total artificial heart
• Ventricular assist devices (VAD), including LVAD

Heart transplant program

At Ascension Saint Thomas Heart West in Nashville, Tennessee,our experienced doctors and care team provide advanced care – from ventricular assist devices and medication management to participation in our comprehensive heart transplant program. Your heart transplant center coordinator helps connect you and your family to specialists and follow-up care that supports your care plan. And we’re available 24/7 to answer your questions. Call 615-222-5533.

At Ascension Saint Thomas Heart, your transplant care team includes advanced heart failure specialists, cardiac transplant surgeons, heart failure nurses and coordinators, nutrition counseling, palliative care for pain and symptom management, pharmacists specializing in heart failure medication management and education, social services, and financial consultation.

Clinical trials

Our doctors are committed to being leaders in cardiovascular research, working to help improve how we diagnose and treat heart failure. Your doctor may recommend a clinical trial as part of your care. Talk with your cardiologist if you are interested in participating in clinical trials.  

Cardiac rehabilitation supports recovery

At our Ascension Saint Thomas Wellness Centers in Middle Tennessee, we provide comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation programs. Our care teams at our medically-based fitness facilities offer a range of exercise options and fitness services.

Early signs of heart failure

Our cardiology care team focuses on helping you understand the signs of heart failure. Personalized care plans help you manage your symptoms and get back to the activities you enjoy. Symptoms of heart failure may include:

• Feeling tired or weak
• Shortness of breath with activity
• Trouble breathing while lying down or at night
• Unexplained weight gain, swelling in the feet and ankles
• Severe lightheadedness, irregular heartbeat or fainting

If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, go directly to the ER or call 911.

Get a second opinion on your heart condition 

Get the confidence and peace of mind that your doctor and care plan are right for you. It's easy to get a second opinion at Ascension Saint Thomas Heart West. We can review your medical records and healthcare history to answer your questions and discuss options. Talk with one of our doctors about a personalized care plan. Request an appointment, call 615-396-5849.

When you are facing a new diagnosis or are deciding on a surgical care plan, there’s a lot to think about. Our heart failure specialists and heart transplant surgeons can provide a second opinion, based on our experience and as part of a national team of providers.

Before your appointment, check with your insurance company to find out if a second opinion is covered. We can request your medical records on your behalf, so that they can be shared with your care team before your arrival.