What to know about chronic venous insufficiency
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President Trump was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency during a recent medical exam, the White House announced Thursday. Photo: Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images
President Trump has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), the White House said on Thursday.
The big picture: CVI is a common condition affecting roughly one in 20 adults, and can be managed and improved over time.
Driving the news: Trump was diagnosed with the condition during a recent medical exam, the White House announced Thursday.
- Trump was evaluated after noticing mild swelling in his lower legs, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said during a briefing Thursday.
White House physician Sean Barbabella noted that "the president remains in excellent health," in a memo.
- There were no signs of heart failure, renal impairment or systemic illness according to Barbabella.
- "Bilateral lower extremity venous Doppler ultrasounds were performed and revealed chronic venous insufficiency, a benign and common condition, particularly in individuals over the age of 70," he added.
Additionally, Barbabella noted that recent photos of Trump show minor bruising on the back of his hand. "This is consistent with minor soft tissue irritation from frequent handshaking and the use of aspirin," he said.
- In April, Barbabella reported there were no significant changes in Trump's health and that the president "remains in excellent health."
What chronic venous insufficiency is
CVI occurs when veins in the legs are damaged, resulting in the veins being unable to manage blood flow as well as they should, according to Cleveland Clinic.
- It makes it harder for blood in the legs to return to the heart.
How serious chronic venous insufficiency is
While the condition may cause mild symptoms at first, it can interfere with quality of life and lead to serious complications over time if left untreated, according to Cleveland Clinic.
- Serious complications include "leg ulcers, pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis and secondary lymphedema, which is swelling in the tissues due to damage to the lymphatic system," per Eve M. Glazier and Elizabeth Ko, doctors at UCLA Health.
What causes chronic venous insufficiency
The condition can develop from common conditions like varicose veins, according to Penn Medicine.
- "It can also occur if something, such as a deep vein thrombosis or other clot, damages the valves inside the veins," per Penn.
- CVI is more common for people who are overweight, middle age or older, pregnant, or have a history of deep vein thrombosis in the legs, among other factors.
High blood pressure, smoking, or a lack of exercise can also cause CVI, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.
How chronic venous insufficiency is treated
Treatments include medication and therapy, but in severe cases can involve surgery, according to Hopkins.
