An Ounce of Prevention: Angie Vaughn’s Journey to Heart Health

Angie Vaughn’s journey to heart health was driven by a daunting family history. Approaching her 52nd birthday, she couldn’t ignore the fact that both her parents had died of heart-related issues at that age.

Although she didn’t exhibit noticeable symptoms, Angie felt compelled to seek guidance from Dr. Stacy Brewington, a cardiologist at Tennessee Heart at Cookeville Regional Medical Center (CRMC).

“I thought I probably needed to go and let Dr. Brewington tell me that everything was going to be fine and I had nothing to worry about,” she said. “But that wasn’t the case.”

Dr. Brewington conducted a series of tests and also ordered a genetic test on Angie. The genetic test revealed that Angie carried a gene mutation associated with early-onset coronary artery disease, she was then referred to CRMC’s genetic counselor Ashley Cohen.

“Now my sister, my brother, and my kids are all going to be tested,” said Angie. “It’s painless, it’s fairly inexpensive, and there’s no reason not to be tested if you have that in your family.”

The combination of genetic insights and conventional tests led Angie to CRMC’s cardiac catheterization lab.

“I went to the cath lab thinking he was still going to tell me everything was fine,” Angie recalls.

Instead, Dr. Brewington found two blockages in her arteries, including one in the left anterior descending artery (LAD), the very artery responsible for her father’s fatal heart attack. As a result, Angie was scheduled for open-heart surgery, a double bypass, a Cox-Maze procedure, and the installation of a pacemaker with cardiothoracic surgeons Dr. Timothy Powell and Dr. Billy Parsons.

“I worried myself to death before the surgery, but by the morning of the surgery, I had found peace with it,” said Angie.

Her surgical experience, although daunting, was characterized by the compassionate reassurance provided by the medical team, including the anesthesiologist who comforted her before the procedure. The surgery was followed by a stay in the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (CVICU), where Angie experienced the exceptional care and support of the nursing staff.

“I woke up in the CVICU with the most incredible nurses ever,” said Angie. “They knew what you needed before you needed it, and they were great cheerleaders, because you need a cheerleader that first walk or two after open-heart surgery.”

Reflecting on her experience, Angie voiced her deep appreciation for CRMC.

“The care that I received at CRMC was incredible,” she said. “The doctors, the nurses, the support staff, everybody made me feel like their main purpose was just to help me feel better.”

Angie’s proactive approach to her health — and what her quest uncovered — serves as a reminder of the importance of early detection and intervention.

“Catching this early was a blessing, because it’s one of those things that if you don’t find it, it finds you,” she said.

In the wake of her surgery, Angie’s health has taken a positive turn.

“I didn’t realize how tired I was before, but now I have more energy,” said Angie. “We have five grandchildren who keep us on our toes. We haven’t taken them all five camping yet, but I’m sure that’s coming.”

And the shadow of heart disease that had loomed over her for years has been replaced by a newfound optimism.

“I feel like the weight of the world has been lifted off my shoulders, because I had worried about this for 15 or 20 years,” she said. “Now I feel like I’ve got a lot more to look forward to.”