After being evaluated for lower leg swelling and hand bruising, the White House announced that US President Donald Trump has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI).
The president’s leg pain, according to press secretary Karoline Leavitt, was only mild for a few weeks after receiving the diagnosis.
Dr. Dr. Sean Barbabella, the president’s physician, confirmed there was no evidence of deep vein thrombosis or arterial disease in a letter that was made available for public viewing. Trump’s lab results were all within acceptable standards.
The letter further stated that a cardiac echocardiogram was performed and that it had established normal cardiac function and structure.
What is chronic venous insufficiency and what are its risks? What we are aware of is:
Chronic venous insufficiency: what is it?
According to Cleveland Clinic, CVI is a type of vein disorder that arises when legs’ veins become damaged. Blood moves more heart-tightly through veins through valves. Blood can flow backwards when these valves are damaged because they don’t close properly. Venous reflux is what is known as.
Lower legs may become pooling with blood as a result. Along with swelling, which typically occurs around the feet and ankles, symptoms include aching legs, a tingling or heavy sensation, and the appearance of varicose veins.
About one in three adults are affected by the disease, according to the Cleveland Clinic, while over-50 are affected by CVI. With age, the risk rises.
What other symptoms are common?
Leg swelling, as the president has experienced, as well as skin irritation, are some symptoms, according to the American Heart Association.
Lower leg skin problems typically manifest as red, itchy, or flaky patches, caused by poor blood flow and occasionally resulting in ulcers.
Additional symptoms may include cramping, throbbing, restlessness, a heavy or tired feeling in the legs, and itching, bleeding, and itching.
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.
Source: Aljazeera
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