Trump diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency. What is CVI and is it dangerous?
Leavitt discussed Trump's diagnosis at a July 17 briefing with reporters after Trump underwent medical tests to examine swelling in his legs near his ankles and bruising on the back of the president's right hand.
The ankle swelling is related to the venous disease, which Leavitt called a "common condition" for individuals over the age of 70. Trump is 79.
According to Bloomberg, White House doctors still determined Trump to be in "excellent health," and there were no signs of deep vein thrombosis or arterial disease.
Here's what to know about the disease, symptoms, treatment and more.
What is chronic venous insufficiency?
Chronic venous insufficiency occurs when the leg veins don't allow blood to flow back up to the heart, causing it instead to flow backward, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. The blood instead pools in the legs, causing pain.
What are chronic venous insufficiency symptoms?
Symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency including swelling in the legs or ankles, a tight feeling in the calves or itchy, painful legs and pain when walking that relieves when at rest, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. Other symptoms include:
Brown-colored skin, often near the ankles
Varicose veins
Leg ulcers
Discomfort in the legs or an urge to move the legs (restless legs syndrome)
Painful leg cramps or muscle spasms (charley horse)
Chronic venous insufficiency causes
People are more likely to develop chronic venous insufficiency if they are overweight, pregnant, have a family history or had prior damage to the leg due to surgery, injury or blood clots, Johns Hopkins says. Other causes could be the following:
High blood pressure in the leg veins due to excessive sitting or standing
Lack of exercise
Smoking
A blood clot in a deep vein
Swelling and inflammation of a vein close to the skin
What is chronic venous insufficiency treatment?
Healthcare providers determine a treatment plan for chronic venous insufficiency based on the person's age, overall health and medical history, often involving elevating the legs, wearing compression socks and adding in regular exercise. Other treatments may involve medications to increase blood flow and endovenous laser ablation or radiofrequency ablation (involving a tube inserted into affected vein to close it off). Serious cases may involve surgery, specifically tying off the affected vein to stop blood flow, or sclerotherapy, where a chemical is injected to "scar" the vein to stop carrying blood.
Chronic venous insufficiency life expectancy: Is it dangerous?
Chronic venous insufficiency is not a serious health threat, Johns Hopkins says. The Cleveland Clinic further adds that it's a progressive disease that can cause discomfort, pain and reduced quality of life.
Lori Comstock is a New Jersey-based journalist with the Mid-Atlantic Connect Team.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Trump has chronic vein insufficiency. Can you die? What causes CVI?
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