President Donald Trump has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, the White House announced Thursday.
Here’s a closer look at the condition and Trump’s diagnosis:
What is chronic venous insufficiency?
Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) occurs when the body has trouble pumping blood from the legs to the heart. It results from damage to the valves in the leg veins, which hinders the veins’ ability to move blood out of the legs and causes blood to pool there.
What causes CVI?
There are a number of factors that can cause CVI, including age, genetics, obesity, lack of exercise, blood clots, smoking and pregnancy.
What are the symptoms?
According to the Cleveland Clinic, symptoms of CVI include:
- Achy or tired legs
- Burning, tingling or “pins and needles” sensation in your legs
- Cramping in your legs at night
- Swelling in your lower legs and ankles, especially after standing a while or at the end of the day
- Discolored skin that looks reddish-brown
- Flaking or itching skin on your legs or feet
- Full or heavy feeling in your legs
- Leathery-looking skin on your legs
Can it be treated?
Yes, for most cases, CVI can be treated with lifestyle changes and compression therapy, which can improve blood flow, the skin’s appearance and reduce pain and swelling.
Lifestyle changes include weight management, increased exercise and leg elevation.
For more extreme cases, CVI may require surgery.
WH Press secretary announces Trump’s diagnosis
What does Trump’s specific condition look like?
Trump, 79, underwent a “comprehensive examination, including diagnostic vascular studies” with the White House Medical Unit, press secretary Karoline Leavitt said, reading from a note from the president’s physician, Capt. Sean Barbabella.
Barbabella’s note stated that “bilateral lower extremity venous doppler ultrasounds were performed and revealed chronic venous insufficiency, ICD-9, a common condition, particularly in individuals over the age of 70.”
The examination came after Trump had “noted mild swelling in his lower legs” over recent weeks, Leavitt said.
Reading Barbabella’s note, Leavitt said there was “no evidence of deep vein thrombosis or arterial disease,” and that Trump’s lab testing was all “within normal limits.” Trump also underwent an echocardiogram, which found “no signs of heart failure, renal impairment, or systemic illness,” she said.
Leavitt later added that the president was experiencing “no discomfort.” She deferred to a forthcoming letter from Barbabella regarding treatment for the condition.
The press secretary also addressed bruising that has appeared on the back of the president’s hand, which she attributed to his “frequent handshaking,” plus his use of aspirin.
“This is consistent with minor soft tissue irritation from frequent handshaking and the use of aspirin, which is taken as part of a standard cardiovascular prevention regimen,” Leavitt said, via Barbabella.
CNN contributed to this report.
