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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.
Russia Today
18-07-2025
- Health
- Russia Today
White House explains Trump's swollen ankles and bruised hand
The White House has released a memo from President Donald Trump's physician explaining recent visible changes in his limbs, which some observers had taken as indicators of a serious health condition. In a memo issued Thursday, Dr. Sean P. Barbabella said Trump has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, a condition he described as 'benign' and common among people over the age of 70. Trump, 79, was recently seen with swelling in his legs, which Dr. Barbabella attributed to the condition. Chronic venous insufficiency is typically age-related and involves malfunctioning of one-way valves in the veins, which are responsible for returning blood to the heart. The legs are often affected because the veins there must work harder against gravity. People who spend extended periods standing are more susceptible to the disorder. According to the statement, no signs of more serious vascular conditions – such as deep vein thrombosis – were found. Barbabella also explained that recurring bruising on the back of Trump's right hand was the result of 'soft tissue irritation from frequent handshaking' and preventive aspirin use. Swollen ankles at the World CupBruised hand at today's press availability. Is the Trump administration hiding the President's health? Where is @jaketapper? While swelling in Trump's ankles gained attention last week, the bruises on his hand have been visible since at least October, fueling speculation that he was undergoing intravenous treatment. Trump and his staff have repeatedly said the marks are due to vigorous handshaking. Many senior US officials are of advanced age. Critics argue that the country's political system favors seniority and has effectively turned into a gerontocracy. President Joe Biden's age became a major campaign issue during last year's presidential election. His aides were accused of hiding signs of cognitive decline to keep him in the race. Biden dropped out of the campaign less than four months before Election Day after a disastrous debate performance against Trump.
Irish Times
18-07-2025
- Health
- Irish Times
What is chronic venous insufficiency? Donald Trump diagnosed with condition
Donald Trump was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, the White House said on Thursday, after he noticed swelling in his legs. The White House released a memo from the president's physician, Sean Barbabella, who said a medical examination revealed no evidence of a more serious condition such as deep vein thrombosis. 'The president underwent a comprehensive examination, including diagnostic vascular studies. Bilateral lower extremity venous Doppler ultrasounds were performed and revealed chronic venous insufficiency, a benign and common condition, particularly in individuals over the age of 70,' the memo said. It is a fairly common condition among older adults, but requires a thorough check-up to rule out more serious causes of swelling in the legs. Here are some things to know. READ MORE Chronic venous insufficiency, or CVI, happens when veins in the legs cannot properly carry blood back to the heart. That can lead to blood pooling in the lower legs. In addition to swelling, usually around the feet and ankles, symptoms can include legs that are achy, heavy-feeling or tingly, and varicose veins. Severe cases could trigger leg sores known as ulcers. Overcoming gravity to pump blood from the feet all the way up to the heart is a challenge, especially when someone is standing or sitting for long periods. So legs veins are lined with one-way valves that keep blood from sliding backward on that journey. Anything that damages those valves can lead to chronic venous insufficiency. Risk factors can include blood clots, vein inflammation known as phlebitis or being overweight. Doctors must rule out serious causes of leg swelling, such as heart problems, kidney disease or blood clots. Ultrasound exams of the leg veins can help confirm chronic venous insufficiency. According to the Cleveland Clinic, treatment can include wearing compression stockings, elevating the legs and achieving a healthy weight. Also exercise, especially walking, is recommended – because strong leg muscles can squeeze veins in a way that helps them pump blood. Medications and medical procedures are available for more advanced cases.
Yahoo
18-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
What is chronic venous insufficiency, the condition Trump was diagnosed with?
Donald Trump was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, the White House said on Thursday, after he noticed swelling in his legs. The White House released a memo from the president's physician, Sean Barbabella, who said a medical exam revealed no evidence of a more serious condition like deep vein thrombosis. 'The president underwent a comprehensive examination, including diagnostic vascular studies. Bilateral lower extremity venous Doppler ultrasounds were performed and revealed chronic venous insufficiency, a benign and common condition, particularly in individuals over the age of 70,' the memo said. It is a fairly common condition among older adults, but requires a thorough checkup to rule out more serious causes of swelling in the legs. Here are some things to know. Chronic venous insufficiency, or CVI, happens when veins in the legs cannot properly carry blood back to the heart. That can lead to blood pooling in the lower legs. In addition to swelling, usually around the feet and ankles, symptoms can include legs that are achy, heavy-feeling or tingly, and varicose veins. Severe cases could trigger leg sores known as ulcers. Overcoming gravity to pump blood from the feet all the way up to the heart is a challenge, especially when someone is standing or sitting for long periods. So legs veins are lined with one-way valves that keep blood from sliding backward on that journey. Anything that damages those valves can lead to chronic venous insufficiency. Risk factors can include blood clots, vein inflammation known as phlebitis or being overweight. Doctors must rule out serious causes of leg swelling, such as heart problems, kidney disease or blood clots. Ultrasound exams of the leg veins can help confirm chronic venous insufficiency. According to the Cleveland Clinic, treatment can include wearing compression stockings, elevating the legs and achieving a healthy weight. Also exercise, especially walking, is recommended – because strong leg muscles can squeeze veins in a way that helps them pump blood. Medications and medical procedures are available for more advanced cases. Solve the daily Crossword
Al Jazeera
18-07-2025
- Health
- Al Jazeera
What is chronic venous insufficiency; how serious is Trump's condition?
United States President Donald Trump has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) after undergoing evaluation for lower leg swelling and hand bruising, the White House has announced. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Thursday that the diagnosis was made after the president experienced mild discomfort in his legs over several weeks. In a publicly released letter, President Trump's physician, Dr Sean Barbabella, confirmed there was 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 risky is it? Here is what we know: What is chronic venous insufficiency? CVI is a type of vein disorder that develops when the veins in the legs become damaged, Cleveland Clinic explains. Veins have valves that help blood move up towards 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 blood pooling in the lower legs. Along with swelling – most often around the feet and ankles – symptoms may include aching legs, a heavy or tingling sensation, and the appearance of varicose veins. According to Cleveland Clinic, the disease affects about one in three adults, while CVI affects people over age 50. The risk rises with age. What are other common symptoms? According to the American Heart Association, some symptoms include leg swelling, as the president has experienced, but also skin irritation. The skin issues typically show up as red, itchy or flaky patches on the lower legs, caused by poor blood flow and sometimes leading to ulcers. Additional symptoms may include pain, itching, bleeding, a heavy or tired feeling in the legs, cramping, throbbing and restlessness. Trump also had bruising on his hand, according to the White House. Dr Barbabella attributed that to 'minor soft tissue irritation from frequent handshaking and the use of aspirin, which is taken as part of a standard cardiovascular prevention regime', the White House release stated. How serious is CVI? The condition is generally mild but can worsen over time. 'Chronic Venous Insufficiency can significantly impact your quality of life, but early detection and treatment can make a substantial difference,' the chair of the American Heart Association's Vascular Health Advisory Committee and Scientific Council on Peripheral Vascular Disease, Joshua A Beckman, said. 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 individuals over 70'. He confirmed that Trump, 79, showed no signs of those more serious complications. What is the treatment for CVI? Doctors typically begin treatment with compression therapy, which helps reduce leg swelling and discomfort. Compression stockings are often prescribed and may 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 thickened, hardened skin – persist, more invasive treatments may be necessary. These include thermal therapies like laser treatment, which seal off damaged veins, and sclerotherapy, whereby a chemical is injected to collapse affected veins. After treatment, the body naturally redirects blood flow through healthier veins.
