Conditions & Symptoms

When patients have problems with congestive heart failure, angina, or heart attack, they trust Cardiovascular Medicine to help them heal.

Clinical Cardiology

We service all major cardiovascular and pulmonary conditions as well as offering diagnostic imaging, ongoing and chronic care, and long-term condition management. You can see cardiovascular specialists at both our Moline and Davenport locations.
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Cardiac Imaging and Diagnostics

Our range of cardiac diagnostic tests can provide the information you need to make informed decisions about your healthcare.
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Electrophysiology

Our care center provides a full spectrum of electrophysiology care, from diagnosis to treatment and management of your condition.
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Invasive & Interventional Cardiology

We are leaders in providing invasive cardiology treatments that relieve your symptoms and lower your risk of complications from heart disease.
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Vein & Vascular Care

Our team of physicians, researchers, and patient care specialists are focused specifically on cardiovascular best practices and lifesaving heart and vein care.
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Procedural Lab
(In-Office)

Our procedural lab is state-of-the-art, featuring one of the most technologically advanced vascular imaging systems available in an office setting.
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Preventive Services

As the best line of defense against heart disease, our clinic specializes in preventive care, including advanced cardiac imaging, risk intervention, and personalized treatment planning.
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CVM Locations

Explore the map below to see location options and find the clinic most convenient for you!
Conditions:

Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are twisted, enlarged veins that appear prominently on the skin's surface. They are most common on the legs and feet due to the natural effects of gravity from walking and standing, though any superficial vein can develop varicose veins.

Understanding Varicose Veins

Varicose veins may appear dark blue or purple, and they are often bulging and ropy or cord-like. For many people, they are largely a cosmetic concern. However, they can cause uncomfortable symptoms, and in some cases, they can lead to more serious problems. Sometimes, the only signs of varicose veins are their appearance. When varicose veins do cause symptoms, they can include:

  • Achy or heavy legs
  • Swelling in the lower legs
  • Burning, throbbing, or muscle cramps
  • Pain that increases after sitting or standing for a long time
  • Itchiness around the vein
  • Discoloration near a varicose vein

Varicose Vein Treatment

Treating varicose veins begins with lifestyle changes, such as exercise, which can help improve blood flow, may alleviate pain, and can prevent varicose veins from getting worse. Elevating the legs while sitting or lying down and wearing compression stockings can also help improve blood flow and relieve some of the pressure. When lifestyle changes aren't enough to alleviate symptoms, there are several minimally-invasive treatments we offer to improve both appearance and symptoms, including:

  • ​​Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) uses a catheter to deliver heat to the affected vein, sealing and closing it to reroute blood flow to healthier veins.
  • Sclerotherapy involves injecting a solution that blocks the unhealthy vein and forces blood to flow through healthier veins.
  • Stab phlebectomy involves removing varicose veins in sections through tiny incisions. The procedure does not usually require stitches and scarring is minimal.
  • Non-thermal sclerosant involves injecting a foam solution that causes the unhealthy vein to collapse, forcing blood to flow through healthier veins.
  • Non-thermal adhesive ablation uses a medical adhesive to seal the unhealthy vein and redirect blood to healthy veins. 

Recovery

The treatments we offer for varicose veins are minimally-invasive. Most patients will have an easy recovery and are able to resume normal activity within 2 days.

Typically, you can return to your normal daily activities the same day for radiofrequency ablation, non-thermal sclerosant, and non-thermal adhesive ablation procedures. Sclerotherapy and stab phlebectomy may take an additional 1 to 2 days for complete healing.

More on Varicose Veins

Causes of Varicose Veins

The most common culprit for varicose veins is increased pressure from blood flow. When we sit or stand for long periods of time, blood pools in the veins. The increased pressure can weaken or damage the one-way valves that are responsible for moving blood back toward the heart. This happens commonly as we age. Women are more likely to get varicose veins due to hormones. Genetics also play a role.

Diagnosing Varicose Veins

We diagnose varicose veins through a physical examination and imaging procedures such as a venous Doppler ultrasound, which uses sound waves to capture blood flow.

Meet Your Illinois and Iowa
Cardiovascular Physicians

Our team of physicians, researchers, and patient care specialists are focused specifically on cardiovascular best practices and lifesaving heart and vein care. We hire and empower the best cardiovascular doctors in the nation right here in the Heartland.

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