--- title: The Cardiovascular Care Group Blog | Dr. Raymond J. Holmes, MD, FACS description: The Cardiovascular Care Group blog offers articles related to arterial health. As one the largest and oldest vascular practices in New Jersey, we value education and honesty in our communications. --- The Vein Institute of New Jersey is considered one of the top vein centers in the world. [Visit The Vein Institute](https://www.veininstitutenj.com/) [Patient Portal](https://gateway.aprima.com/portal/home/11101) [Careers](https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=01ac20b2-794f-4cd2-b641-85102eaee82c&ccId=19000101_000001&lang=en_US&selectedMenuKey=CareerCenter) [![New-TCVCG\_Logo\_350px](https://vascular.tcvcg.com/hs-fs/hubfs/New-TCVCG_Logo_350px.png?width=277&height=79&name=New-TCVCG_Logo_350px.png)](http://tcvcg.com/) [973-759-9000](tel:9737599000) [Schedule Appointment](http://tcvcg.com/contact-us/scheduling-appointments/) - [Contact Us](https://tcvcg.com/contact-us/) - [Locations](https://tcvcg.com/contact-us/locations/) - [Patient Forms](https://tcvcg.com/registration) - [Scheduling Appointments](https://tcvcg.com/contact-us/scheduling-appointments/) - [Hospital Consults](https://tcvcg.com/consult/) - [Our Practice](https://tcvcg.com/our-practice/) - - [Our Providers](https://tcvcg.com/our-practice/our-providers/) - [Leadership & Integrity](https://tcvcg.com/our-practice/leadership-integrity/) - [Noninvasive Vascular Laboratory](https://tcvcg.com/our-practice/noninvasive-vascular-laboratory/) - [Vein Treatment Center](https://tcvcg.com/our-practice/vein-treatment-center/) - [Hospital Affiliations](https://tcvcg.com/our-practice/hospital-affiliations/) - - [Patient Testimonials](https://tcvcg.com/our-practice/patient-testimonials/) - [Awards & Media](https://tcvcg.com/our-practice/awards-media/) - [Vascular Clinical Trials](https://tcvcg.com/our-practice/vascular-clinical-trials/) - [History](https://tcvcg.com/our-practice/history/) - [Vascular Conditions](https://tcvcg.com/vascular-conditions/) - - [Peripheral Artery Disease (“PAD”)](https://tcvcg.com/vascular-conditions/peripheral-artery-disease-pad/) - [Carotid Artery Disease](https://tcvcg.com/vascular-conditions/carotid-artery-disease/) - [Aortic Aneurysms](https://tcvcg.com/vascular-conditions/aortic-aneurysms/) - - [Hemodialysis Access](https://tcvcg.com/vascular-conditions/hemodialysis-access/) - [Vein Disease](https://tcvcg.com/vascular-conditions/vein-disease/) - [TCVCG Vascular Screening](https://tcvcg.com/vascular-conditions/tcvcg-vascular-screening-program/) - [Treatments](https://tcvcg.com/treatments/) - - [Peripheral Artery Disease (“PAD”)](https://tcvcg.com/treatments/peripheral-artery-disease-pad/) - [Carotid Artery Disease](https://tcvcg.com/treatments/causes-and-care-for-carotid-artery-disease/) - [Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm](https://tcvcg.com/treatments/abdominal-aortic-aneurysm/) - - [Dialysis Access Care](https://tcvcg.com/treatments/dialysis-access-care/) - [Procedure Suite](https://tcvcg.com/treatments/procedure-suite/) - [Vein Care](https://tcvcg.com/treatments/vein-care/) - [Patient Info](https://tcvcg.com/patient-info/) - - [Contact Us](https://tcvcg.com/contact-us/) - [e-Book Library](https://tcvcg.com/e-book-library/) - [Falls Prevention](https://tcvcg.com/tcvcg-falls-prevention-guide/) - [Healthy Recipes](https://tcvcg.com/healthy-recipes/) - [Insurance & Billing](https://tcvcg.com/patient-info/insurance-billing/) - [Know Your Vascular Health](https://tcvcg.com/patient-info/know-your-vascular-health/) - - [Leg Swelling Assessment](https://tcvcg.com/leg-swelling-assessment/) - [Medical Record Request](https://tcvcg.com/medical-record-request/) - [PAD Assessment](https://tcvcg.com/pad-assessment/) - [Patient Forms](https://tcvcg.com/registration) - [Second Opinions](https://tcvcg.com/what-you-should-know-about-second-opinions/) - [Videos](https://tcvcg.com/patient-info/videos/) - [Blog](https://vascular.tcvcg.com/blog/) - [Contact Us](https://tcvcg.com/contact-us/) - [Locations](https://tcvcg.com/contact-us/locations/) - [Patient Forms](https://tcvcg.com/registration) - [Scheduling Appointments](https://tcvcg.com/contact-us/scheduling-appointments/) - [Hospital Consults](https://tcvcg.com/consult/) - [Our Practice](https://tcvcg.com/our-practice/) - - [Our Providers](https://tcvcg.com/our-practice/our-providers/) - [Leadership & Integrity](https://tcvcg.com/our-practice/leadership-integrity/) - [Noninvasive Vascular Laboratory](https://tcvcg.com/our-practice/noninvasive-vascular-laboratory/) - [Vein Treatment Center](https://tcvcg.com/our-practice/vein-treatment-center/) - [Hospital Affiliations](https://tcvcg.com/our-practice/hospital-affiliations/) - - [Patient Testimonials](https://tcvcg.com/our-practice/patient-testimonials/) - [Awards & Media](https://tcvcg.com/our-practice/awards-media/) - [Vascular Clinical Trials](https://tcvcg.com/our-practice/vascular-clinical-trials/) - [History](https://tcvcg.com/our-practice/history/) - [Vascular Conditions](https://tcvcg.com/vascular-conditions/) - - [Peripheral Artery Disease (“PAD”)](https://tcvcg.com/vascular-conditions/peripheral-artery-disease-pad/) - [Carotid Artery Disease](https://tcvcg.com/vascular-conditions/carotid-artery-disease/) - [Aortic Aneurysms](https://tcvcg.com/vascular-conditions/aortic-aneurysms/) - - [Hemodialysis Access](https://tcvcg.com/vascular-conditions/hemodialysis-access/) - [Vein Disease](https://tcvcg.com/vascular-conditions/vein-disease/) - [TCVCG Vascular Screening](https://tcvcg.com/vascular-conditions/tcvcg-vascular-screening-program/) - [Treatments](https://tcvcg.com/treatments/) - - [Peripheral Artery Disease (“PAD”)](https://tcvcg.com/treatments/peripheral-artery-disease-pad/) - [Carotid Artery Disease](https://tcvcg.com/treatments/causes-and-care-for-carotid-artery-disease/) - [Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm](https://tcvcg.com/treatments/abdominal-aortic-aneurysm/) - - [Dialysis Access Care](https://tcvcg.com/treatments/dialysis-access-care/) - [Procedure Suite](https://tcvcg.com/treatments/procedure-suite/) - [Vein Care](https://tcvcg.com/treatments/vein-care/) - [Patient Info](https://tcvcg.com/patient-info/) - - [Contact Us](https://tcvcg.com/contact-us/) - [e-Book Library](https://tcvcg.com/e-book-library/) - [Falls Prevention](https://tcvcg.com/tcvcg-falls-prevention-guide/) - [Healthy Recipes](https://tcvcg.com/healthy-recipes/) - [Insurance & Billing](https://tcvcg.com/patient-info/insurance-billing/) - [Know Your Vascular Health](https://tcvcg.com/patient-info/know-your-vascular-health/) - - [Leg Swelling Assessment](https://tcvcg.com/leg-swelling-assessment/) - [Medical Record Request](https://tcvcg.com/medical-record-request/) - [PAD Assessment](https://tcvcg.com/pad-assessment/) - [Patient Forms](https://tcvcg.com/registration) - [Second Opinions](https://tcvcg.com/what-you-should-know-about-second-opinions/) - [Videos](https://tcvcg.com/patient-info/videos/) - [Blog](https://vascular.tcvcg.com/blog/) Menu The Vein Institute of New Jersey is considered one of the top vein centers in the world. [Visit The Vein Institute](https://www.veininstitutenj.com/) [Patient Portal](https://gateway.aprima.com/portal/home/11101) [Careers](https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=01ac20b2-794f-4cd2-b641-85102eaee82c&ccId=19000101_000001&lang=en_US&selectedMenuKey=CareerCenter) [![TCVCG](https://vascular.tcvcg.com/hs-fs/hubfs/TCVCG_October2019/Images/TCVCG_Tagline_VINJ_Side.png?width=2649&height=636&name=TCVCG_Tagline_VINJ_Side.png)](http://tcvcg.com/) [973-759-9000](tel:9737599000) [Schedule Appointment](http://tcvcg.com/contact-us/scheduling-appointments/) - [Contact Us](https://tcvcg.com/contact-us/) - [Locations](https://tcvcg.com/contact-us/locations/) - [Patient Forms](https://tcvcg.com/registration) - [Scheduling Appointments](https://tcvcg.com/contact-us/scheduling-appointments/) - [Hospital Consults](https://tcvcg.com/consult/) - [Our Practice](https://tcvcg.com/our-practice/) - [Our Providers](https://tcvcg.com/our-practice/our-providers/) - [Leadership & Integrity](https://tcvcg.com/our-practice/leadership-integrity/) - [Noninvasive Vascular Laboratory](https://tcvcg.com/our-practice/noninvasive-vascular-laboratory/) - [Vein Treatment Center](https://tcvcg.com/our-practice/vein-treatment-center/) - [Hospital Affiliations](https://tcvcg.com/our-practice/hospital-affiliations/) - [Patient Testimonials](https://tcvcg.com/our-practice/patient-testimonials/) - [Awards & Media](https://tcvcg.com/our-practice/awards-media/) - [Vascular Clinical Trials](https://tcvcg.com/our-practice/vascular-clinical-trials/) - [History](https://tcvcg.com/our-practice/history/) - [Vascular Conditions](https://tcvcg.com/vascular-conditions/) - [Peripheral Artery Disease (“PAD”)](https://tcvcg.com/vascular-conditions/peripheral-artery-disease-pad/) - [Carotid Artery Disease](https://tcvcg.com/vascular-conditions/carotid-artery-disease/) - [Aortic Aneurysms](https://tcvcg.com/vascular-conditions/aortic-aneurysms/) - [Hemodialysis Access](https://tcvcg.com/vascular-conditions/hemodialysis-access/) - [Vein Disease](https://tcvcg.com/vascular-conditions/vein-disease/) - [Free Vascular Screening](https://tcvcg.com/vascular-conditions/free-vascular-screening-program/) - [Treatments](https://tcvcg.com/treatments/) - [Peripheral Artery Disease (“PAD”)](https://tcvcg.com/treatments/peripheral-artery-disease-pad/) - [Carotid Artery Disease](https://tcvcg.com/treatments/causes-and-care-for-carotid-artery-disease/) - [Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm](https://tcvcg.com/treatments/abdominal-aortic-aneurysm/) - [Dialysis Access Care](https://tcvcg.com/treatments/dialysis-access-care/) - [Procedure Suite](https://tcvcg.com/treatments/procedure-suite/) - [Vein Care](https://tcvcg.com/treatments/vein-care/) - [Patient Info](https://tcvcg.com/patient-info/) - [Contact Us](https://tcvcg.com/contact-us/) - [e-Book Library](https://tcvcg.com/e-book-library/) - [Falls Preventioin](https://tcvcg.com/tcvcg-falls-prevention-guide/) - [Healthy Recipies](https://tcvcg.com/healthy-recipes/) - [Insurance & Billing](https://tcvcg.com/patient-info/insurance-billing/) - [Know Your Vascular Health](https://tcvcg.com/patient-info/know-your-vascular-health/) - [Leg Swelling Score](https://tcvcg.com/leg-swelling-assessment/) - [Medical Record Request](https://tcvcg.com/medical-record-request/) - [PAD Assessment](https://tcvcg.com/pad-assessment/) - [Patient Forms](https://tcvcg.com/registration) - [Second Opinions](https://tcvcg.com/what-you-should-know-about-second-opinions/) - [Videos](https://tcvcg.com/patient-info/videos/) - [Blog](https://vascular.tcvcg.com/blog/) - [Patient Portal](https://gateway.aprima.com/portal/home/11101) - [Careers](https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=01ac20b2-794f-4cd2-b641-85102eaee82c&ccId=19000101_000001&lang=en_US&selectedMenuKey=CareerCenter) - - ## The Cardiovascular Care Group Blog - - The Cardiovascular Care Group Blog This is a search field with an auto-suggest feature attached. - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. ## Dr. Raymond J. Holmes, MD, FACS ### Recent Posts [![](https://vascular.tcvcg.com/hubfs/iStock-1255871988.jpg)](https://vascular.tcvcg.com/blog/can-medicines-clear-blocked-arteries-what-patients-should-know) ## [Can Medicines Clear Blocked Arteries? What Patients Should Know](https://vascular.tcvcg.com/blog/can-medicines-clear-blocked-arteries-what-patients-should-know) May 22, 2026, 1:17:07 PM Dr. Raymond J. Holmes, MD, FACS Hearing that you have a blocked artery can feel overwhelming. One of the first questions many patients ask is simple and understandable: [Read More](https://vascular.tcvcg.com/blog/can-medicines-clear-blocked-arteries-what-patients-should-know) [![](https://vascular.tcvcg.com/hubfs/Screenshot%202024-11-19%20at%205.30.18%20PM.png)](https://vascular.tcvcg.com/blog/why-do-i-have-carotid-disease) ## [Why Do I Have Carotid Disease?](https://vascular.tcvcg.com/blog/why-do-i-have-carotid-disease) Nov 22, 2024, 1:36:42 PM Dr. Raymond J. Holmes, MD, FACS The human body is a fantastic piece of engineering, with blood vessels and arteries that deliver and take oxygen-rich blood from one organ to another. Of all arteries, the carotid arteries are some of the most important because they provide... [Read More](https://vascular.tcvcg.com/blog/why-do-i-have-carotid-disease) [![](https://vascular.tcvcg.com/hubfs/iStock-1132084377.jpg)](https://vascular.tcvcg.com/blog/understanding-vascular-ehlers-danlos-syndrome-veds) ## [Understanding Vascular Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (VEDS)](https://vascular.tcvcg.com/blog/understanding-vascular-ehlers-danlos-syndrome-veds) May 17, 2024, 2:56:17 PM Dr. Raymond J. Holmes, MD, FACS Vascular Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (VEDS), also known as Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome type IV, is a rare genetic disorder that affects the body's connective tissues, particularly collagen. Collagen is a crucial protein that provides strength and... [Read More](https://vascular.tcvcg.com/blog/understanding-vascular-ehlers-danlos-syndrome-veds) [![](https://vascular.tcvcg.com/hubfs/Temp%20Fluctuation_iStock-1304149852.jpg)](https://vascular.tcvcg.com/blog/how-heat-and-cold-can-affect-blood-flow) ## [How Heat and Cold Can Affect Blood Flow](https://vascular.tcvcg.com/blog/how-heat-and-cold-can-affect-blood-flow) Mar 3, 2023, 11:58:46 AM Dr. Raymond J. Holmes, MD, FACS Sometimes, temperature fluctuations are part of life, particularly this time of the year. The weather might change from day to day, or the temperature your office or school is kept may be different from what you prefer at home, and potentially... [Read More](https://vascular.tcvcg.com/blog/how-heat-and-cold-can-affect-blood-flow) [![](https://vascular.tcvcg.com/hubfs/iStock-1313542831.jpg)](https://vascular.tcvcg.com/blog/what-is-a-fistulagram-procedure-and-how-does-it-work) ## [What is a Fistulagram Procedure and How Does it Work?](https://vascular.tcvcg.com/blog/what-is-a-fistulagram-procedure-and-how-does-it-work) Oct 29, 2021, 4:56:43 PM Dr. Raymond J. Holmes, MD, FACS Facing kidney failure has to be one of the toughest things one may undergo in their life. When your kidneys don't function as they should, your life takes a detour from the direction you had envisioned. This deviation means seeking the... [Read More](https://vascular.tcvcg.com/blog/what-is-a-fistulagram-procedure-and-how-does-it-work) - 1 - [2](https://vascular.tcvcg.com/blog/author/dr-raymond-j-holmes/page/2) - [Next Page »](https://vascular.tcvcg.com/blog/author/dr-raymond-j-holmes/page/2) ## Featured posts ### Categories - [Aortic Aneurysms (12)](https://vascular.tcvcg.com/blog/tag/aortic-aneurysms) - [Carotid Artery Disease (19)](https://vascular.tcvcg.com/blog/tag/carotid-artery-disease) - [Health/Exercise (22)](https://vascular.tcvcg.com/blog/tag/health-exercise) - [Hemodialysis (7)](https://vascular.tcvcg.com/blog/tag/hemodialysis) - [Peripheral Artery Disease (24)](https://vascular.tcvcg.com/blog/tag/peripheral-artery-disease) - [Travel (4)](https://vascular.tcvcg.com/blog/tag/travel) - [Vascular Doctors/Staff (17)](https://vascular.tcvcg.com/blog/tag/vascular-doctors-staff) - [Vascular Treatments (28)](https://vascular.tcvcg.com/blog/tag/vascular-treatments) - [Vein Conditions (64)](https://vascular.tcvcg.com/blog/tag/vein-conditions) - [Vein Treatments (47)](https://vascular.tcvcg.com/blog/tag/vein-treatments) ### Subscribe to TCVCG Health News ## Contact Us #### To contact us or schedule an appointment call (973) 759-9000 or fill out the form below The Cardiovascular Care Group has six (6) convenient office locations throughout New Jersey. If you should have any questions regarding our practice specialties, hospital affiliations, insurance & billing or you just have a general question about the practice, please do not hesitate to contact us. [View Locations](https://tcvcg.com/contact-us/locations/) ![TCVCG](https://vascular.tcvcg.com/hubfs/TCVCG_October2019/Images/TCVCG_Knock-Out-Logo_Left_8-inch_1pmt_rgb.png) [Visit the Vein Institute of New Jersey](https://www.veininstitutenj.com/) [![Vascular seal](https://vascular.tcvcg.com/hubfs/Footer%20Logos%20-%20150px/seal_vascular_2019_trans_white-footer.png)](https://tcvcg.com/our-practice/noninvasive-vascular-laboratory/) [![Vein seal](https://vascular.tcvcg.com/hubfs/Footer%20Logos%20-%20150px/Vein-Center-White-Footer3.png)](https://tcvcg.com/our-practice/noninvasive-vascular-laboratory/) [![NJ Monthly Top Doc](https://vascular.tcvcg.com/hubfs/TCVCG_October2019/Images/Top-Doc-2026_Round_2.png)](https://tcvcg.com/our-practice/leadership-integrity//) [![](https://vascular.tcvcg.com/hubfs/Footer%20Logos%20-%20150px/NJ-Monthly-Top-Doc_JERSEY-CHOICE-DOCTOR-2026_shdw_300x260px.png)](https://tcvcg.com/our-practice/leadership-integrity/) [![](https://vascular.tcvcg.com/hubfs/Footer%20Logos%20-%20150px/Castle-Connolly-Top-Doctors-Marketing-Logo-Long-lg-(002)_2.jpg)](https://castleconnolly.com/) ### Testimonials I cannot say enough good things – and I’ve been to a lot of doctors. The staff is so friendly an... \- D., Neptune I have been coming to The Cardiovascular Care Group for nearly two decades! Initially with my Dad wh... \- A., Clark [Read More](http://tcvcg.com/our-practice/patient-testimonials/) ©2021-2024, The Cardiovascular Care Group. All rights reserved. [Terms and Conditions](http://tcvcg.com/terms-and-conditions/) [Privacy Policy](http://tcvcg.com/privacy-policy-2/) [Non-Discrimination](https://www.tcvcg.com/non-discrimination-notice) [HIPAA Notice](https://tcvcg.com/hipaa-omnibus-notice-of-privacy-practices/) All information on this site is of a general nature and is furnished for your knowledge and understanding only. This information is not to be taken as medical or other health advice pertaining to your specific health and medical condition.