Latest news with #chronicvenousinsufficiency
Yahoo
14 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
The White House Says Trump Has Been Diagnosed With Chronic Venous Insufficiency. Here's What That Means.
This week, the White House answered two questions many people have been asking: Why are Donald Trump's legs and ankles swollen? And why is there a bruise on his hand that's often covered by makeup? The answer? First, the leg swelling is due to chronic venous insufficiency, which White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt described as a 'benign and common condition.' The bruise on his hand is unrelated and due to hand shaking and the use of aspirin, the White House said in a memo. 'It's very rare for people to get chronic venous insufficiency in the arms, and so it's unlikely that the skin discoloration is due to varicose vein[s] or the chronic venous insufficiency issue,' said Dr. Hugh Pabarue, a physician and vein specialist at Metro Vein Centers in Michigan. As we age, our skin thins and blood vessels become more easily exposed, so an accidental hand bump against the table can lead to easier bruising, Pabarue noted. But, once again, that isn't the same thing as chronic venous insufficiency. Doctors say there are a few things you should know about chronic venous insufficiency in addition to Trump's visible leg-swelling issue. Here's what to know: Blood flow issues are at the center of chronic venous insufficiency. Dr. Alexa Mieses Malchuk, a family physician in North Carolina, said chronic venous insufficiency is common, especially as folks age. To understand what chronic venous insufficiency is, it's important to understand how arteries and veins work, said Mieses Malchuk. 'And there's one big, important difference between them, and that's that arteries will actively pump blood around the body,' she said. 'Veins, on the other hand, do not pump blood, which surprises a lot of people because many people know that the veins do carry blood,' Mieses Malchuk added. The way blood is carried through veins is more of a passive process — movements such as walking and muscle flexing put pressure on the veins and that pressure 'pushes the blood back up to our heart,' she said. Then, our valves come in to keep the blood from flowing backward, she added. In the case of venous insufficiency, the veins get too relaxed and the valves almost get floppy, she explained. 'So, instead of blood being pushed back up to the heart, it can flow backwards. It could even stay stagnant in the veins,' she said. This is something that commonly happens with age. The valves wear out with time, said Pabarue. 'What ends up happening is blood comes down through the arteries OK, but then going back through the veins, it's very slow because those valves are no longer helping to push the blood out,' Pabarue said. After a day of sitting or standing for long periods, gravity then holds that blood in our legs, he added. Symptoms include leg swelling, which was reported in Trump, among other things. When blood accumulates in our veins, they 'stretch out, and as they enlarge, they can push on the structures around [them] — muscles, nerves,' explained Pabarue. According to Pabarue, folks with chronic venous insufficiency may report leg cramps, a feeling of leg heaviness, itching, burning, skin discoloration on the legs or, as in the case of Trump, leg swelling. 'Those are the biggest symptoms associated with vein problems,' Pabarue noted. Usually, these symptoms aren't as noticeable in the morning, but as the day goes on and blood accumulates in the legs, the discomfort starts. 'So, generally, this is a progressive problem [and] will continue to get worse if we don't do anything about it,' he said. How it appears is a spectrum. 'When we talk about venous insufficiency, it's actually a spectrum of disease,' explained Mieses Malchuk. For some people, the condition shows up as varicose veins, although not all varicose veins are chronic venous insufficiency, she added. For others, the symptoms are more severe. 'Many people have it [and] they know they have it, and they live totally normal lives,' Mieses Malchuk said Others have symptoms that disrupt their daily functioning, she noted. In this case, they may need to see a vascular doctor for treatment and even surgery, Mieses Malchuk added. 'I just want to highlight that it's a spectrum of disease that has varying symptoms depending on how far along they are,' she said. Things like compression socks and exercise can help prevent chronic venous insufficiency. Chronic venous insufficiency is a common condition as folks age, but certain people are at higher risk. 'For example, obesity, older age, smoking ... if you stand a lot, so, for example, nurses, doctors, hair stylists, people who work in retail who spend their life standing, are definitely at risk,' noted Mieses Malchuk. It's also more common during pregnancy, said Pabarue. Those who are at higher risk should consider wearing compression socks to help decrease their chances of developing chronic venous insufficiency, said Mieses Malchuk. 'By wearing compression socks, you're applying pressure in the right direction in your lower extremities so that it's much easier for the blood to get back up to your heart,' she explained. Pabarue added that it's good if the compression socks are at least knee-high, but thigh-high is even better. You should also make sure you're in the right size socks, which can be deciphered by measuring your calf, Mieses Malchuk noted. It's also helpful to manage your weight and exercise regularly, said Pabarue. 'Because obesity tends to cause premature vein problems,' Pabarue added. If you do notice any of the symptoms mentioned above, 'it doesn't hurt to get checked out,' Pabarue said. 'What I would recommend is seeing either your primary care [doctor] and discussing it with them, or seeking out a vein specialist or vascular surgeon to discuss options and at least get a baseline screening,' he noted. The longer you wait, the more complicated it is to treat, Pabarue noted. Related... White House Just Confirmed That Trump's Bruises Stem From This Medical Condition Trump Calls His Critics 'Haters' And 'Bad People' — Here's Why That's A Red Flag Fox News Reporter Finally Asks Karoline Leavitt What We're All Thinking About 'Epstein Hoax' Solve the daily Crossword
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Doctors reveal why Trump's vein condition may deteriorate faster than White House says
President Donald Trump has been diagnosed with a vein condition that explains recent photos showing his ankles looking unusually swollen. The President has chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), where veins in the legs struggle to send blood back to the heart, causing it to pool.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Trump diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency. What is CVI and is it dangerous?
President Donald Trump was recently diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency that has resulted in swelling of his legs and bruising on his hands, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced. 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 Trump has chronic vein insufficiency. Can you die? What causes CVI? Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
a day ago
- Health
- Yahoo
What to know about chronic venous insufficiency — President Tump's health diagnosis
Earlier this week, President Trump was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, or CVI, after he noted mild swelling in his lower legs. White House physician Dr. Sean P. Barbabella in a memo July 17 said the swelling prompted a full medical evaluation, including ultrasound tests and blood work. Those confirmed CVI, a condition the doctor described as 'benign and common — particularly in individuals over the age of 70.' Dr. Barbabella said he found no other signs of more serious cardiovascular issues like blood clots and declared the president to be in 'excellent health.' What is chronic venous insufficiency? "CVI is when the veins of the body do not work well," said Dr. Mimmie Kwong, assistant professor of vascular surgery at UC Davis Health, when veins cannot transport blood effectively, causing it to pool, especially in the legs. CVI is one of the most common vein problems in the U.S. and worldwide, affecting "about one in three adults in the United States," Kwong said. That translates to more than 30 million people in the U.S., most often older adults, according to Dr. Ali Azizzadeh, a professor and director of Vascular Surgery at Cedars-Sinai and associate director of the Smidt Heart Institute. He noted the condition is more common in women. As people age, the veins, such as in their legs, may have a harder time returning blood to the heart, he said. What causes CVI? The valves in the veins of the legs are supposed to keep blood moving in one direction: back toward the heart. But when those valves are damaged or weakened, they can stop working properly, leading blood to flow backward and collect in the lower legs. Individuals who stand or sit for extended periods, or those with a family history of vein issues, may be at a higher risk of developing the condition. 'When the calf muscles are active, they pump the veins that return blood from the legs to the heart,' Azizzadeh explained. 'With prolonged inactivity of those muscles, blood can pool in the legs.' What does CVI feel like? While CVI isn't always painful, it can cause discomfort that worsens as the day goes on. The mornings may feel the best: 'The legs naturally drain while you are lying down and sleeping overnight,' said Azizzadeh, 'so they will typically feel lightest in the morning.' As the day progresses and blood starts to pool, people with CVI may experience swelling, heaviness, aching or a dull pain in their legs. The symptoms tend to worsen after prolonged periods of standing or sitting. If swelling worsens, thickening, inflammation or dry skin can result, with more severe cases developing wounds that do not heal and can even result in amputation, Kwong said. How is CVI treated? Ttreatment is more manageable when problematic veins are closer to the surface of the skin, Kwong said. It's more problematic when deep veins are affected. The first line of treatment is usually simple lifestyle changes. 'We suggest CEE: compression, elevation, and exercise,' Azizzadeh said. Wearing compression stockings can help push blood out of the legs; elevating the legs allows gravity to help drain blood from the legs toward the heart, and regular walking forces calf muscles to pump blood throughout the body. For people with more serious cases, doctors may recommend a minimally invasive procedure that uses heat to seal off the leaky veins. Common treatments include ablation techniques, surgical removal of veins (phlebectomy), or chemical (sclerosant) injections. "All of these therapies aim to cause the veins to shut down, so they no longer cause the CVI," Kwong said. In President Trump's case, the condition appears to be mild and manageable. His doctors emphasized there was no cause for concern and that he remains in good overall health. But for millions of Americans living with CVI, recognizing the symptoms and knowing how to manage them can make a big difference in day-to-day comfort and long-term well-being. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Solve the daily Crossword
WebMD
2 days ago
- Health
- WebMD
CVI in the Spotlight: 5 Things Older Adults Should Know
July 18, 2025 – President Donald Trump's recent diagnosis of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) has sparked renewed interest in the condition – but for millions of Americans, it's already a familiar reality. CVI is a common circulatory issue that affects blood flow from the legs back to the heart, causing blood to pool or collect in the lower legs. Estimates show it impacts about 25 million U.S. adults. Here's what to know about CVI – and how to check your own risk. 1. Mild swelling in the legs can be an early warning sign. Why it matters: Swelling or heaviness in the lower leg and ankle is a common symptom of chronic venous insufficiency, though pain is the most common symptom, according to the American Heart Association. The pain might get worse when you stand or improve when you raise your legs. Other red flags include a dull ache, cramping, tingling, burning, or itching sensation in your legs; varicose veins; or irritated, cracked, discolored, flaky, weepy, or roughened skin. The condition isn't usually life-threatening, but without treatment, the swelling could get worse, leading to ulcers that carry a risk of infection. What you need to know:"Early detection and treatment can make a substantial difference," Joshua A. Beckman, MD, former chair of the American Heart Association's Vascular Health Advisory Committee and Scientific Council on Peripheral Vascular Disease, said in a statement from the American Heart Association. "That is why it is vital for individuals to be aware of the signs and symptoms of CVI so they can seek timely medical evaluation and intervention." Treatments vary, depending on how severe they are. A doctor might start by recommending compression stockings for the swelling, and gentle exercise (walking, water therapy) to improve blood flow. For more advanced stages, damaged veins can be closed using injections, laser treatments, or high-frequency radio wave procedures, and surgery can repair or remove affected veins. 2. CVI is common in older adults. Why it matters: Your risk of chronic venous insufficiency increases as you get older, particularly after age 50. "As people age, the valves in their leg veins, which are responsible for maintaining blood flow towards the heart, can weaken or become damaged," according to the American Heart Association's statement. "This makes it harder for blood to flow back efficiently, allowing backward flow of blood in the veins, leading to blood pooling in the legs and the development of CVI." What you need to know: Other risk factors include obesity, smoking, a history of pregnancy, previous blood clots, or a family history of chronic venous insufficiency. A sedentary lifestyle or prolonged periods of sitting or standing can also raise your risk. 3. Doctors often diagnose CVI using Doppler ultrasound of both legs. Why it matters: Doppler ultrasounds are noninvasive tests that measure sound waves echoing from red blood cells, revealing how blood moves through vessels. During a Doppler ultrasound for chronic venous insufficiency, a doctor places a small device on your skin, covering the affected area, to check how quickly and in what direction the blood flows. What you need to know: This is also how doctors look for signs of deep vein thrombosis or arterial disease. Deep vein thrombosis is a potentially deadly blood clot that starts in the deep veins of the legs and can spread to the lungs. Peripheral artery disease is a common condition, often found in people with diabetes or high cholesterol, that restricts blood flow in the lower legs. While chronic venous insufficiency affects the blood flow from your legs to your heart, peripheral artery disease affects the vessels traveling the other way – carrying blood from your heart to your legs. 4. Blood tests and an echocardiogram can help rule out heart failure, kidney issues, or systemic illness. Why it matters: These blood tests – which included a complete blood count, comprehensive metabolic panel, coagulation profile, D-dimer, B-type natriuretic peptide, and cardiac biomarkers – and imaging tests are commonly used to check for signs of blood clots, heart problems, and kidney problems. What you need to know: Chronic venous insufficiency is linked to an increased risk of deep vein thrombosis and diseases of the heart and blood vessels, which might be partially explained by shared risk factors. Heart health and kidney health are closely related. 5. The diagnosis was shared following public questions about leg swelling and hand bruising. Why it matters: Trump's doctor said the bruises on his hands are a side effect of aspirin, which he takes to help prevent diseases in his heart and blood vessels. What you need to know: Aspirin thins the blood, increasing the risk of bruising. Because aspirin is a blood thinner and inhibits blood clots, some people, especially those at a heightened risk of heart disease, take it to reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. But this treatment also comes with the risk of another, potentially more dangerous side effect: bleeding in your gut. Before trying aspirin, or any new medication, talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits based on your health history and risk factors.
