TREATMENTS:

Cardiovascular Imaging
& Diagnostics

Cardiac imaging provides pictures of your heart and cardiac vessels to see how your heart is performing. The noninvasive diagnostic tests – including X-rays, CT scans, and ultrasounds – help us diagnose various heart and vascular conditions. At Cardiovascular Medicine, we offer advanced imaging tests so we can successfully treat and manage all types of cardiovascular diseases.

When to See a Cardiovascular Specialist

If you are at risk for heart disease or have symptoms that concern you, our comprehensive testing can help identify any issues. Conditions that we diagnose with cardiac imaging include:

angina-diagnosed

Diagnostic Testing

Our range of cardiac diagnostic tests can provide the information you need to make informed decisions about your healthcare. Deciding which test is right for you will depend on several factors, including your symptoms and individual circumstances. Our diagnostic testing options include:

Cardiovascular Treatments

We offer an array of procedures to treat and manage your cardiovascular condition so you can feel better. Working alongside you, we design a treatment plan that will allow you to feel better and return to doing the things you love. Our treatment options include:

Treatments :

Vascular Testing for Peripheral Arterial Disease

Diagnosing Peripheral Arterial Disease

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a condition in which narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the limbs. Over time, fatty deposits can build up in the arteries, resulting in a condition known as atherosclerosis. With atherosclerosis, arteries can become narrowed or even clogged or blocked.

Less blood flow to the arms and legs can cause pain when walking or exercising. A telltale sign of early peripheral arterial disease is that the pain will generally disappear with rest. However, if peripheral arterial disease progresses, you may feel pain even when lying down or sleeping. Your pain may be mild, or it may be so severe that it interferes with walking.

Managing peripheral arterial disease is important because it could lead to a stroke or heart attack. If you suspect you may have peripheral arterial disease, we offer vascular testing to evaluate your blood vessels.

Vascular Testing

Vascular testing evaluates your blood vessels to assess how well your arteries and veins transport blood through your body. We offer several different types of vascular testing that can help us identify peripheral arterial disease.

Recovery

The majority of our vascular testing procedures are performed with ultrasound, a non-invasive procedure. You will be able to return to normal activities immediately following the test.

Risks & Side Effects

Ultrasound is considered safe, and there are no known risks. You should not experience any side effects from vascular testing.

Am I a Candidate?

Vascular tests are useful diagnostic tools for those we suspect may have a blood vessel disorder. There are many different types of blood vessel disorders. The most common disorder of the arteries is atherosclerosis, which can result in peripheral arterial disease. Around half of Americans between the ages of 45 and 84 have undiagnosed atherosclerosis.

Other types of vein disorders include deep vein thrombosis and venous insufficiency. Your doctor will discuss your individual risk factors and which type of test might be right for you.

More on Vascular Testing for Peripheral Arterial Disease

Other Signs and Symptoms of Peripheral Arterial Disease

Pain isn't the only symptom of peripheral arterial disease. Some people have very mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. Here are a few additional signs to look out for:

  • Wounds or sores on the leg, foot, and toes that won't heal
  • Coldness in the lower leg or foot compared to the other leg
  • Slow toenail or leg hair growth
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Leg numbness or weakness
  • No pulse or a weak pulse in the legs or feet
  • Shiny skin or skin color changes on the legs

Types of Vascular Testing for Peripheral Arterial Disease

  • Skin Perfusion Pressure Study. A skin perfusion pressure test assesses the blood flow to the lower extremities to help determine if there are any blockages in the blood vessels. 
  • Carotid Duplex. A carotid duplex study is an ultrasound procedure that produces images of blood flow through the arteries of the neck to help identify abnormalities. 
  • Aorta/Renal Duplex. An aorta duplex and renal duplex study are ultrasound procedures that capture images of the abdominal blood vessels to assess blood flow. This can help to identify abnormalities in the arteries in the abdominal area. 
  • Arterial/Venous Duplex. An arterial duplex and venous duplex study is an ultrasound procedure that shows blood flow to identify abnormalities in the arteries and veins in the legs.
  • Venous Reflux Study. A venous reflux study is a noninvasive imaging test that helps determine how the veins in your legs are functioning. Using ultrasound, we will look for blood clots and evaluate the blood flow in the veins. 
  • Non-Invasive Vascular Study. A non-invasive vascular study looks at the blood flow in the arms or legs. The procedure uses blood pressure cuffs and pressure readings are taken at different levels to determine if and where any abnormalities exist.

Risk Factors for Developing Atherosclerosis

There are certain risk factors that could indicate a higher likelihood of developing atherosclerosis. They include:

  • Smoking or vaping
  • Lack of physical activity
  • Unhealthy eating habits
  • Having certain health conditions such as diabetes and inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or psoriasis
  • Family history of blood relatives who had heart attacks or died suddenly before age 55

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.

Patient Success Stories

Our patients live longer, healthier and more unburdened lives, thanks to heart care that counts. Just ask them:
 

CVM Locations

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

Insurance Providers We Accept

Our team of physicians, researchers, and patient care specialists are focused specifically on cardiovascular best practices and lifesaving heart and vein care.
Insurance and Financing

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