FAQs

Q. Why are heart, lung and vascular conditions grouped together?

A. Heart, lung and vascular diseases are interrelated, and therefore require care from the coordinated efforts of many specialists. By combining these specialists into one institute, patients can receive exceptional healthcare expertise, patient-centered care, premier technology and extensive patient/community education all in one convenient location. Heart disease (cardiovascular disease), lung cancer, peripheral vascular disease including aneurysms and carotid artery blockage, respiratory disease, pneumonia as well as sleep-related problems such as sleep apnea are all treated at the institute.

Q. Which Heart Lung Vascular Institute services are unique to the Knoxville area?

A. Several unique services include the following.

• Kidney and Kidney / Pancreas Transplantation
• Artificial heart support for acutely failing heart following heart attack and heart surgery
• Congenital heart surgery
• Extensive care of heart, chest and vascular traumatic injuries and post-operative care
• Endograft repair of thoracic aortic aneurysms

 Q. What is the Heart Hospital?

A. The Heart Hospital opened in 2010 is the region's first dedicated heart hospital to serve cardiovascular patients in Knoxville and surrounding areas. Visit the Heart Hospital webcam and blog for more information.

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Q. What is the Sleep Center?

A. The Sleep Center at UT Medical Center offers medical evaluation to patients who are concerned about their sleep.

Q. Am I at risk of having a heart attack?

A. Heart disease is the number-one killer in the United States for both men and women. A heart attack (myocardial infarction) occurs when a blood clot blocks one of the heart’s blood vessels and the heart muscle cannot get the oxygen it needs to function. You are at risk of having a heart attack if you

• Smoke
• Have high blood pressure (hypertension)
• Eat to much fat in your diet
• Have high blood cholesterol
• Have diabetes
• Are male
• Are older
• Have a family history of heart attack

Schedule an appointment with your doctor if you may be at risk. To schedule a screening or make an appointment with a doctor, call toll-free 1.877.UT.CARES (1.877.882.2737). 

Q. Which screenings are available at the Heart Lung Vascular Institute?

A. There are multiple screenings available. 4 Your Heart, a comprehensive cardiac screening program, is $44. The noninvasive vascular screening program is $85 and identifies blood flow problems in three areas: the caotid arteries, abdominal aorta and peripheral vessels. A spirometry screening also is available for those at risk for COPD. All results are forwarded to the patient and their primary care physician.

Screenings are available with an appointment by calling 1.877.UT.CARES (1.877.882.2737).

Q. What is Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation?

A. Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation is a safe and effective way to help you feel better faster, become stronger, reduce stress, reduce your risk of future heart and pulmonary problems and live longer. Read more...