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:

Cardiac Arrest

Cardiac arrest is a serious condition that occurs when the heart suddenly stops functioning. Also referred to as sudden cardiac arrest, this abrupt “arrest” prevents blood from flowing to the brain, lungs, and other vital organs. Cardiac arrest is not the same thing as a heart attack. Though often used interchangeably, the two are caused by different circumstances.

Understanding
Cardiac Arrest

A heart attack is attributed to a blockage that stops blood flow to the heart and causes heart muscle tissue to die. Cardiac arrest is a malfunction of the heart’s electrical system, which causes the heart to beat irregularly. Cardiac arrest is a true medical emergency that can come on suddenly and result in death quickly; however, the condition is reversible if life-saving measures are implemented right away. 

Family history can play a significant role in the risk of experiencing a cardiac event, including inherited arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat). Ventricular fibrillation is one of the most common arrhythmias associated with cardiac arrest and is characterized by the lower chamber of the heart suddenly beating erratically. In many cardiac arrest cases, the individual is unaware that they have a heart condition.

Symptoms of
Cardiac Arrest

Despite sudden onset, there are some telltale signs that indicate cardiac arrest, which can appear up to two weeks before a significant event takes place. Leading up to the event, the person may feel some chest discomfort, shortness of breath, weakness, and a fluttering or fast-beating heart. Men typically experience chest pain, while women commonly report shortness of breath.

Other, more serious symptoms that signify a person may be having a cardiac arrest include:

  • Sudden collapse
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Gasping for air
  • No breathing
  • Non-responsive to shouting or shaking
  • No pulse

Diagnosing
Cardiac Arrest

To understand the cause and severity of a cardiac arrest event, your doctor may order several different tests, starting with a blood test to check your potassium, magnesium, and hormone levels - all of which can affect your heart’s function. Your doctor might also check for a specific protein in the blood to determine if you have had a prior heart injury that you might not be aware of.

More on Cardiac Arrest

Diagnostic Tests for Cardiac Arrest

  • Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): a type of cardiac imaging test that monitors the heart’s electrical impulses and detects if an individual has certain heart conditions. 
  • Echocardiogram: another cardiac imaging test that uses sound waves to create an image of your heart.  
  • Chest X-Ray: to check the size and shape of your heart. 
  • Nuclear Scan: often accompanied by a stress test, this test helps identify blood flow problems by injecting a tiny amount of radioactive material into your bloodstream.
  • Coronary catheterization: a procedure that involves injecting a liquid dye into the arteries of your heart, making your arteries visible on X-ray to reveal blockages.

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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