Cardiology

From screenings to advanced surgery, choose Ascension Saint Thomas Heart—national leaders in heart care.

Four care members of the Ascension Saint Thomas cardiology program in the operating room.Four care members of the Ascension Saint Thomas cardiology program in the operating room.

Cardiology care in Middle Tennessee

From screenings to advanced surgery, choose Ascension Saint Thomas Heart—national leaders in heart care.

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Leading the way in heart care for Tennessee

When it comes to your heart, start with care you trust. Ascension Saint Thomas Heart is leading the way in heart care in Middle Tennessee, providing advanced care for a full range of heart conditions. We have one of the most experienced teams in the country caring for more adult hearts than anyone in Tennessee and offering a network of over 85 cardiologists and surgeons with 45 locations to choose for care. From preventative screenings to life-saving treatments, our specialists use the latest technology and personalized care plans to help you achieve better heart health.

When you choose Ascension Saint Thomas Heart, you get an experienced cardiovascular specialist and care team who are part of a national team, sharing best practices and the latest research and nationally recognized treatments and certified programs. Our heart program is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as "high performing" in all cardiac evaluated procedures and conditions, including treatment to patients experiencing heart attacks, congestive heart failure and heart arrhythmias and for patients who need pacemaker implantation, heart bypass surgery, TAVR, and aortic repairs.

Every appointment starts with a conversation. Your care team takes the time to listen and answer all your questions — so you get a personalized care plan.

A heart scan could save your life

cardiology

A heart scan is a quick, painless way to detect early signs of heart disease before symptoms appear. If you have risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or a family history, this simple test could prevent a heart attack.

To schedule a calcium heart scan with our partners at Premier Radiology, please call 615-356-3999.

Know your risk

cardiology

Don't wait until symptoms appear if you have concerns about your heart. Our free heart health risk assessment can be completed in three minutes.

A referral is needed for more advanced heart screenings, call 615-284-2025.

LEARN YOUR HEART RISK

Care for your heart shouldn’t wait

Dr. Rodriguez and the heart care team at Saint Thomas takes the time to listen and answer all your questions.

Know the symptoms of a cardiac emergency

The symptoms of an aneurysm may look like other health conditions or problems. Some aneurysms can cause pain in the abdomen, chest, lower back, or groin area. The pain may be severe pain in the back of the abdomen may mean the aneurysm is about to burst. You may also experience a pulsing feeling, like a heartbeat, in the abdomen. Other symptoms may include severe headache, nausea, vomiting, visual disturbance and loss of consciousness.

If you're feeling the symptoms of a heart attack, such as chest discomfort, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, nausea, or pain in the neck, jaw or arms, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.

A pulmonary embolism (PE) is a blood clot that develops in a blood vessel in the body (often in the leg). It then travels to a lung artery, where it suddenly blocks blood flow.

Common symptoms include:

  • Chest pain
  • Coughing or coughing up blood
  • Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting
  • Fast heart rate or irregular heartbeat
  • Low blood pressure
  • Rapid breathing
  • Shortness of breath
  • Sweating

A stroke can result if the narrowing of the carotid arteries is severe enough that blood flow is blocked. It can block blood flow to the brain if a piece of plaque breaks off.

It’s important to remember the signs of a stroke with the acronym “B.E. F.A.S.T.”

  • Balance changes or loss of balance
  • Eyes and vision changes
  • Face drooping or numbness
  • Arm weakness
  • Speech that is slurred
  • Time, get help immediately

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

Conditions, tests and treatments

Conditions, tests and treatments

Heart care locations at Ascension Saint Thomas Heart

Advanced heart care close to home

If you are looking for a cardiologist or a second opinion on a diagnosis or your care plan, we can help. You’ll find that managing long-term and chronic heart care needs is easier with a team ready to support you.

Refer your patient to Ascension Saint Thomas Heart

Your patients can expect compassionate, personalized care from the moment our specialists connect with them. Our doctors  start by listening to fully understand your patient’s needs and to develop an individualized care plan. To make a doctor referral, please call 615-284-2025.

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

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