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CNET
6 days ago
- Health
- CNET
Chronic Venous Insufficiency: A Vein Specialist on Causes and Symptoms for Trump's Diagnosis
In a July 17 memo from Dr. Sean P. Barbabella, the president's doctor, Trump was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency or CVI. According to Barbabella, this diagnosis is common, especially in older adults over the age of 70 (Trump is 79), and "benign." As for the bruising that has been seen on the back of Trump's hand, his doctor states that it's a separate condition caused by him frequently shaking hands while also being a benign side effect of him taking aspirin. Though Barbabella's memo concluded that "President Trump remains in excellent health," we wanted to know more about CVI and if it's as benign as it's been made to seem. To learn more about chronic venous insufficiency's potential causes, symptoms and treatment, we reached out to Khanh Nguyen, DO, chief medical officer of the Center for Vein Restoration. What is chronic venous insufficiency? Chronic venous insufficiency is when your legs' veins don't work as well as they should. "Normally, veins have small valves that help keep blood flowing back up toward the heart," explains Nguyen, who is not involved in Trump's case but has treated patients for CVI. "But if those valves become weak or damaged, blood can start to pool in the legs instead of moving upward like it should." Chronic venous insufficiency causes The most common causes of CVI, according to Nguyen, are: Aging : "As we get older, our veins and valves naturally weaken." : "As we get older, our veins and valves naturally weaken." Family history : "If close family members have vein problems, you're more likely to develop them, too. Genetics play a significant role in developing venous disease." : "If close family members have vein problems, you're more likely to develop them, too. Genetics play a significant role in developing venous disease." Being overweight : "Extra weight puts more pressure on the veins in your legs." : "Extra weight puts more pressure on the veins in your legs." Sitting or standing for long periods : "This makes it harder for blood to move out of the legs, especially without movement. Blood is constantly fighting against gravity to return to the heart, so walking and activating the calf muscle helps the blood to be pumped back." : "This makes it harder for blood to move out of the legs, especially without movement. Blood is constantly fighting against gravity to return to the heart, so walking and activating the calf muscle helps the blood to be pumped back." Pregnancy : "Increased blood volume and hormone changes can put a strain on the venous system. In addition, the enlarged fetus and uterus also put pressure on the abdomen and pelvis, compressing the veins and impeding blood return, further increasing venous hypertension." : "Increased blood volume and hormone changes can put a strain on the venous system. In addition, the enlarged fetus and uterus also put pressure on the abdomen and pelvis, compressing the veins and impeding blood return, further increasing venous hypertension." Previous blood clots: "A history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can damage vein valves and puts a patient at higher risk for developing venous disease." DVT occurs when a blood clot forms in one or more of the body's deep veins, typically in the legs. These various factors can cause an increase in pressure in the leg veins over time, contributing to venous insufficiency. However, Nguyen states that early treatment and lifestyle changes can help manage symptoms and prevent worsening conditions. Chronic venous insufficiency symptoms While CVI symptoms can vary, Nguyen lists common ones as: leg swelling, heaviness, aching, throbbing, restless legs and cramping. Many patients also notice varicose veins and skin changes like darkening or itching around the ankles. In advanced cases, you may even see venous ulcers or open wounds near the lower legs. "Symptoms often worsen after prolonged periods of standing or sitting and improve with leg elevation and the use of compression stockings," states Nguyen. PonyWang/Getty Images Is chronic venous insufficiency 'benign'? Though Dr. Sean P. Barbabella, Trump's doctor, claims CVI is "benign," Nguyen says that's not the full picture. "While CVI is often labeled 'benign' because it's not life-threatening like arterial disease, it's not a harmless condition," he says. "Left untreated, it can significantly impact quality of life and lead to complications like chronic pain, skin changes, venous ulcers and potentially blood clots." In other words, chronic venous insufficiency isn't something you should ignore. "It's a medical issue that warrants expert attention and treatment, particularly because early intervention can help prevent its progression," Nguyen explains. Chronic venous insufficiency diagnosis "CVI is typically diagnosed by taking a thorough history and performing a physical examination followed by a duplex ultrasound, a noninvasive imaging test that visualizes blood flow and evaluates the function of the veins and their valves," says Nguyen. This test allows doctors to confirm venous reflux (when veins struggle to circulate blood back to the heart) and rule out other conditions like deep vein thrombosis. Chronic venous insufficiency treatment Nguyen reports that CVI is treated with a combination of the following: compression therapy, lifestyle changes and minimally invasive procedures that close off or redirect blood flow from malfunctioning veins. "Today's advanced outpatient treatments typically take under an hour to complete, require little to no downtime, and are covered by insurance when medically necessary," he explains. "Patients can return to their normal routine immediately, with few restrictions." Early CVI diagnosis and treatment are key According to Nguyen, one of the biggest challenges with CVI is that people ignore early symptoms, writing them off as fatigue or aging. This is especially concerning because CVI is treatable, thanks to modern therapies that are effective, safe and fast. "If you're experiencing leg discomfort, swelling or visible veins, don't wait -- early diagnosis and treatment can make a tremendous difference in your longterm leg health and comfort," concludes Nguyen.
CNET
7 days ago
- Health
- CNET
Trump's Chronic Venous Insufficiency: Potential Causes and Symptoms, According to a Vein Specialist
In a July 17 memo from Dr. Sean P. Barbabella, the president's doctor, Trump was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency or CVI. According to Barbabella, this diagnosis is common, especially in older adults over the age of 70 (Trump is 79), and "benign." While Barbabella's memo concluded that "President Trump remains in excellent health," we wanted to know more about CVI and if it's as benign as it's been made to seem. To learn more about chronic venous insufficiency's potential causes, symptoms and treatment, we reached out to Khanh Nguyen, DO, chief medical officer of the Center for Vein Restoration. What is chronic venous insufficiency? Chronic venous insufficiency is when your legs' veins don't work as well as they should. "Normally, veins have small valves that help keep blood flowing back up toward the heart," explains Nguyen, who is not involved in Trump's case but has treated patients for CVI. "But if those valves become weak or damaged, blood can start to pool in the legs instead of moving upward like it should." Chronic venous insufficiency causes The most common causes of CVI, according to Nguyen, are: Aging : "As we get older, our veins and valves naturally weaken." : "As we get older, our veins and valves naturally weaken." Family history : "If close family members have vein problems, you're more likely to develop them, too. Genetics play a significant role in developing venous disease." : "If close family members have vein problems, you're more likely to develop them, too. Genetics play a significant role in developing venous disease." Being overweight : "Extra weight puts more pressure on the veins in your legs." : "Extra weight puts more pressure on the veins in your legs." Sitting or standing for long periods : "This makes it harder for blood to move out of the legs, especially without movement. Blood is constantly fighting against gravity to return to the heart, so walking and activating the calf muscle helps the blood to be pumped back." : "This makes it harder for blood to move out of the legs, especially without movement. Blood is constantly fighting against gravity to return to the heart, so walking and activating the calf muscle helps the blood to be pumped back." Pregnancy : "Increased blood volume and hormone changes can put a strain on the venous system. In addition, the enlarged fetus and uterus also put pressure on the abdomen and pelvis, compressing the veins and impeding blood return, further increasing venous hypertension." : "Increased blood volume and hormone changes can put a strain on the venous system. In addition, the enlarged fetus and uterus also put pressure on the abdomen and pelvis, compressing the veins and impeding blood return, further increasing venous hypertension." Previous blood clots: "A history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can damage vein valves and puts a patient at higher risk for developing venous disease." DVT occurs when a blood clot forms in one or more of the body's deep veins, typically in the legs. These various factors can cause an increase in pressure in the leg veins over time, contributing to venous insufficiency. However, Nguyen states that early treatment and lifestyle changes can help manage symptoms and prevent worsening conditions. Chronic venous insufficiency symptoms While CVI symptoms can vary, Nguyen lists common ones as: leg swelling, heaviness, aching, throbbing, restless legs and cramping. Many patients also notice varicose veins and skin changes like darkening or itching around the ankles. In advanced cases, you may even see venous ulcers or open wounds near the lower legs. "Symptoms often worsen after prolonged periods of standing or sitting and improve with leg elevation and the use of compression stockings," states Nguyen. PonyWang/Getty Images Is chronic venous insufficiency 'benign'? Though Dr. Sean P. Barbabella, Trump's doctor, claims CVI is "benign," Nguyen says that's not the full picture. "While CVI is often labeled 'benign' because it's not life-threatening like arterial disease, it's not a harmless condition," he says. "Left untreated, it can significantly impact quality of life and lead to complications like chronic pain, skin changes, venous ulcers and potentially blood clots." In other words, chronic venous insufficiency isn't something you should ignore. "It's a medical issue that warrants expert attention and treatment, particularly because early intervention can help prevent its progression," Nguyen explains. Chronic venous insufficiency diagnosis "CVI is typically diagnosed by taking a thorough history and performing a physical examination followed by a duplex ultrasound, a noninvasive imaging test that visualizes blood flow and evaluates the function of the veins and their valves," says Nguyen. This test allows doctors to confirm venous reflux (when veins struggle to circulate blood back to the heart) and rule out other conditions like deep vein thrombosis. Chronic venous insufficiency treatment Nguyen reports that CVI is treated with a combination of the following: compression therapy, lifestyle changes and minimally invasive procedures that close off or redirect blood flow from malfunctioning veins. "Today's advanced outpatient treatments typically take under an hour to complete, require little to no downtime, and are covered by insurance when medically necessary," he explains. "Patients can return to their normal routine immediately, with few restrictions." Early CVI diagnosis and treatment are key According to Nguyen, one of the biggest challenges with CVI is that people ignore early symptoms, writing them off as fatigue or aging. This is especially concerning because CVI is treatable, thanks to modern therapies that are effective, safe and fast. "If you're experiencing leg discomfort, swelling or visible veins, don't wait -- early diagnosis and treatment can make a tremendous difference in your longterm leg health and comfort," concludes Nguyen.
Daily Mirror
18-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Chronic condition Donald Trump diagnosed with as experts explain what it is
US President Donald Trump was diagnosed with a serious illness the White House has announced. It comes after his hands were pictured looking bruised US President Donald Trump has been diagnosed with a chronic vein condition, the White House has confirmed. The announcement follows widespread speculation about his health sparked by images showing his hands appearing bruised and heavily made-up. After experiencing swelling in his legs, President Trump underwent a 'comprehensive exam', White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt revealed. She attributed his bruised hand to "tissue damage from frequent handshaking" while on aspirin, which is "part of a standard cardio-vascular prevention regimen". The 79 year old president, who once boasted of being "the healthiest president that's ever lived", is now grappling with chronic venous insufficiency. This condition arises when veins in the legs are unable to adequately return blood to the heart, leading to pooling in the lower extremities and subsequent swelling. Leavitt reassured that there was " no evidence of deep vein thrombosis or arterial disease" and all test results were "within normal limits". White House physician Sean Barbabella described the condition as "benign and common", noting that tests showed "no signs of heart failure, renal impairment, or systemic illness". As news of President Trump's recent diagnosis with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) breaks, it raises public curiosity about this frequently misunderstood ailment, particularly concerning its implications for aging, mobility, and long-term wellbeing. The Center for Vein Restoration (CVR), the nation's largest vein care provider, is on hand to offer expert medical insights for your stories. Dr Sean Stewart, a vein expert at The Center for Vein Restoration, highlighted that while Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) affects up to 40% of Americans, it often goes unnoticed until someone well-known is affected. He noted that common symptoms include leg swelling, varicose veins, and skin changes. Treatment for CVI can involve surgical interventions alongside lifestyle modifications. "It can be associated with serious conditions, but in and of itself it is not a serious condition, and one that is very common," Dr Matthew Edwards, chair of the Department of Vascular Surgery at Wake Forest University, explained to the BBC. "People in his age (group), I would say probably somewhere between 10 and 35% of people would have this." Specialists point out that risk factors for CVI include obesity, a history of blood clots, and occupations that necessitate prolonged standing. To manage CVI, wearing tailor-made medical-grade compression stockings is advised, and experts also suggest that patients should elevate their legs while sleeping. Dr Edwards concurred that Trump's use of aspirin could be behind the bruising. "We are all more prone to bruising as we get older, and you see that a lot in people that take aspirin and other blood-thinning agents. "I'm sure it could if someone squeezes your hand hard enough, (you could get a bruise)." Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) Definition: A condition where leg veins have trouble sending blood back to the heart. Causes: Faulty valves in the veins, often due to ageing, obesity, or prolonged standing. Symptoms include: Swelling in legs/ankles. Varicose veins. Skin changes or ulcers.
The Herald Scotland
18-07-2025
- Health
- The Herald Scotland
Donald Trump diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency. What is it?
Leavitt said there was "no evidence" of more serious conditions such as deep vein thrombosis (a blood clot in the leg or arm in a deep vein) or arterial disease. Additional exams identified "no signs of heart failure, renal impairment or systemic illness," Leavitt said. Chronic venous insufficiency is the most common vascular disease in the United States, according to Dr. Sean Stewart, regional medical director at the Center for Vein Restoration. "For most people, this is not life-threatening," he said. "For most people it's genetic and it's not a reflection of overall body health." What is chronic venous insufficiency? Chronic venous insufficiency, or CVI, occurs when the leg veins become damaged and don't work as they should. "The veins in our legs have one job," Stewart said. They work against gravity to push used blood out of the legs through muscle contractions. When these veins don't work, typically due to damaged valves, it can cause blood to pool in the legs and lead to symptoms like swelling and ulcers. According to the Cleveland Clinic, other symptoms also include achy or tired legs; burning, tingling or "pins and needles" sensation in your legs; cramping in your legs; discolored skin that looks reddish-brown; swelling in your lower legs and ankles (especially after standing a while or at the end of the day); flaking or itching skin on your legs or feet; full or heavy feeling in your legs; leathery-looking skin on your legs; ulcers; and varicose veins. Yes, exercise lowers blood pressure. This workout helps the most. What causes chronic venous insufficiency? Most cases of CVI are due to genetics, Stewart said, but certain risk factors can increase a person's chance of developing the condition. These risk factors include a history of deep vein thrombosis, varicose veins or a family history of varicose veins, obesity, smoking and tobacco use and sitting or standing for long periods, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Women are more likely to develop venous insufficiency because pregnancy is another risk factor, Stewart said. The chances of developing the condition also increase with age. Trump celebrated his 79th birthday on June 14. What is VO2 max? The metric that could give you better workouts Can you treat or prevent venous insufficiency? Damaged veins cannot be repaired, Stewart said, but certain treatments can alleviate symptoms in patients. Patients can undergo vein closures, which is when doctors close the veins that aren't working. These veins can be closed with glue, heat lasers or by injecting medicine, Stewart said. Performing vein closures is done by ultrasound guidance, so it doesn't require opening up the leg or putting the patient under anesthesia. More details: President Trump diagnosed with chronic vein condition tied to leg swelling Although most cases of CVI are attributed to genetics, Stewart said patients can reduce their chances of developing the condition by avoiding prolonged sitting, wearing compression socks and following a generally healthy lifestyle. White House physician Barbabella's memo did not discuss whether Trump is receiving any medical treatment to address the vein condition. Contributing: Joey Garrison Adrianna Rodriguez can be reached at adrodriguez@
