United States President Donald Trump has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) after being evaluated for swelling in his lower leg and bruising to his arm, the White House announced.
Press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Thursday that the diagnosis came after the president had mild discomfort in his legs for several weeks.
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In a public letter released to the public, President Trump’s physician, Dr. Sean Barbabella, confirmed that there is no evidence of deep vein thrombosis or arterial disease. All of Trump’s lab results were within normal limits.
“An echocardiogram was also performed and confirmed normal cardiac structure and function,” the letter added.
But what is chronic venous insufficiency and how dangerous is it? Here’s what we know:
What is chronic venous insufficiency?
CVI is a type of venous disorder that develops when the veins in the legs are damaged, the Cleveland Clinic explains. Veins have valves that help blood rise to the heart. When these valves are damaged, they don’t close properly and blood can flow backwards. This is called venous reflux.
This can lead to pooling of blood in the lower legs. Along with swelling – most commonly around the feet and ankles – symptoms can include leg pain, heaviness or tingling, and the appearance of varicose veins.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, the disease affects about one in three adults, while CVI affects people over the age of 50. The risk increases with age.
What are other common symptoms?
According to the American Heart Association, some symptoms include swelling in the legs, as the president has experienced, as well as skin irritation.
Skin problems usually appear as red, itchy or scaly patches on the lower legs, caused by poor blood flow and sometimes leading to ulcers.
Additional symptoms may include pain, itching, bleeding, heavy or tired legs, cramps, palpitations, and restlessness.
Trump also had bruising on his arm, according to the White House. Dr. Barbabella attributed this to “minor soft tissue irritation from frequent handshakes and the use of aspirin, which is taken as part of a standard cardiovascular prevention regimen,” the White House statement said.
How serious is CVI?
The condition is generally mild but may worsen over time.
“Chronic venous insufficiency can significantly affect your quality of life, but early detection and treatment can make a real difference,” said Joshua A Beckman, chair of the American Heart Association’s Vascular Health Advisory Committee and the Scientific Council on Peripheral Vascular Disease.
While the condition itself is usually not serious, it can be associated with more dangerous complications, such as deep vein thrombosis (a blood clot in a deep vein) or pulmonary embolism (a clot that blocks blood flow to the lungs).
Dr. Barbabella, the president’s physician, described Trump’s case as “a benign and common condition, particularly in people over 70.” He confirmed that Trump, 79, showed no signs of these more serious complications.
What is the treatment for CVI?
Doctors usually start treatment with compression therapy, which helps reduce swelling and discomfort in the legs. Compression stockings are often prescribed and can be worn long-term as they support vein function by promoting blood flow back to the heart.
In addition, doctors may recommend weight loss or resistance exercises to improve circulation.
If symptoms – such as leg pain, skin sores or thick, hardened skin – persist, more invasive treatments may be needed. These include heat treatments such as laser therapy, which seals the damaged veins, and sclerotherapy, which injects a chemical to collapse the affected veins. After treatment, the body naturally redirects blood flow through healthier veins.
