Trump's chronic venous insufficiency diagnosis 'extremely common' in older adults

Medical News Today

4 days ago

U.S. President Donald Trump was recently diagnosed with a condition called chronic venous insufficiency (CVI).The condition can be uncomfortable or painful, although it is not considered a serious medical condition and is treatable.Medical News Today spoke to two medical experts to learn more about CVI, health complications related to it, and how to reduce risks of developing the condition.President Donald Trump has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), which leads to symptoms such as swelling, pain, and skin discoloration due to blood pooling in the legs and damaging veins.The official announcement came July 17 from White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, who said the 79-year-old president had 'mild swelling in his lower legs,' which led to further tests and examination.'The president underwent a comprehensive examination including diagnostic vascular studies. Bilateral lower extremity intravenous doppler ultrasounds were performed and revealed chronic venous insufficiency, a benign and common condition, particularly in individuals over the age of 70,' Leavitt said.Despite concerns, CVI can be treated and is quite common in older adults, affecting about 10 to 35% of adults in the United States.The White House also said there was no evidence of deep vein thrombosis, a serious life-threatening condition, and that an echocardiogram (ECG) showed his heart was functioning normally. So, what are the first signs of CVI and how can one reduce their risk? Are there any treatments for CVI? To learn more about this condition, Medical News Today spoke to two experts — Cheng-Han Chen, MD, board certified interventional cardiologist and medical director of the Structural Heart Program at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center in Laguna Hills, CA, and Christopher Yi, MD, board certified vascular surgeon at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, CA to answer these questions and more.What are the first signs of CVI?The way Trump presented with mild swelling (edema) in his legs is often the first sign of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). 'Chronic venous insufficiency typically first manifests as swelling in the legs and ankles/feet, particularly after sitting or standing for a long time. People also sometimes feel a 'heaviness' or aching in the legs. Some people might also notice varicose veins in the leg associated with this condition,' Chen said. People often notice discomfort or aching that worsens after long periods of standing or sitting. Other early signs can include mild skin changes, such as dryness or itchiness, and the appearance of small varicose or spider veins,' Yi said.Is CVI life threatening?Although blood pooling in legs can sound worrying, this condition is common in older adults, and with timely treatment, risks of complications can be greatly reduced.'This condition is extremely common in the population, with some estimates that up to 40% of Americans are affected,' Chen said. 'For most people, chronic venous insufficiency will be benign, but it can become more serious if left untreated. Some complications of untreated chronic venous insufficiency include ulcers, pain, and skin changes,' he continued.'It is generally not life-threatening but can progress if left untreated, leading to complications such as severe swelling, skin changes, venous ulcers, and an increased risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT),' Yi said.What increases the risk of CVI?A variety of factors, such as not engaging in enough physical activity, smoking, and having obesity or overweight can increase a person's risk of developing CVI.'Risk factors include advanced age, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, prolonged standing or sitting, family history of venous disease, prior leg injuries or blood clots, pregnancy, and smoking. Men can develop CVI, but it is slightly more common in women,' Yi said.How is CVI treated?Although Trump's medical records show that he takes aspirin, a blood thinner, this is likely for cardiac prevention, and not CVI, experts say.'Aspirin is not a primary treatment for chronic venous insufficiency. It is sometimes prescribed for other cardiovascular reasons, such as reducing the risk of heart attack or stroke, but it does not significantly improve venous circulation or relieve CVI symptoms,' Yi explained.'Aspirin is sometimes used to help venous ulcers heal, but is not considered a first-line treatment for chronic venous insufficiency,' Chen said.'Compression therapy and lifestyle measures are far more effective,' Yi added.Lifestyle changes can lessen symptomsYi said that wearing compression stockings was one of the most effective strategies for treating CVI as it helps blood flow back toward the heart. 'Lifestyle changes are also important, including regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, and elevating the legs above heart level for short periods throughout the day. It's helpful to avoid prolonged sitting or standing, and when possible, take breaks to walk or flex the ankles to encourage blood flow. Good skin care is essential to prevent irritation, dryness, or breakdown that can occur with poor circulation,' Yi said.When lifestyle changes may not be enough to improve symptoms, doctors may also prescribe some medical procedures.'These can include medications, such as venoactive agents, which can help reduce symptoms. For more advanced cases, minimally invasive procedures like endovenous laser or radiofrequency ablation, sclerotherapy, or even surgical vein stripping may be performed to close or remove damaged veins and restore better circulation,' said Yi.'We typically recommend lifestyle modifications such as elevating the legs, wearing compression stockings, increasing physical activity, and losing weight. For more serious cases, minimally invasive procedures such as ablation and sclerotherapy can be helpful in alleviating symptoms.'— Cheng-Han Chen, MD