His doctor stated that Trump was “thoroughly evaluated” by the White House medical unit “out of an abundance of caution” after experiencing swelling.
“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 read.According to Barbabella, Trump underwent a series of tests, including a complete blood count, comprehensive metabolic panel, and coagulation profile. “All results were within normal limits. An echocardiogram was also performed and confirmed normal cardiac structure and function. No signs of heart function, renal impairment, or systemic illness were identified,” the memo said.
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The White House doctor also pointed out that recent images indicate minimal bruising on the president’s hand. “This is consistent with minor soft tissue irritation from frequent handshaking and the use of aspirin, which is taken as part of a standard cardiovascular prevention regimen,” the memo added.
What is chronic venous insufficiency?
Chronic venous insufficiency, or CVI, is a type of venous disease that happens when the veins in your legs are damaged, impairing their ability to effectively return blood to the heart. Normally, the valves in your veins ensure that blood flows to your heart.
However, when these valves do not function properly, blood can flow in the other direction. This can cause blood to pool in your legs. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, “Chronic venous insufficiency is not a serious health threat. But it can be painful and disabling.”
“CVI may cause mild symptoms at first. But over time, this condition may interfere with your quality of life and lead to serious complications,” the Cleveland Clinic notes on its website.
How common is chronic venous insufficiency?
According to the Cleveland Clinic, “Venous disease in general is very common.” Varicose veins, for example, affect roughly one-third of all individuals. Chronic venous insufficiency typically affects adults over the age of fifty. Chronic venous insufficiency affects around one out of every twenty persons.
What causes chronic venous insufficiency?
As per Johns Hopkins Medicine, this condition is more likely to occur if you:
- Are overweight
- Are pregnant
- Have a family history of the problem
- Had damage to your leg due to injury, surgery, or previous blood clots
Other contributing factors can include high blood pressure in the leg veins due to sitting or standing for long periods, lack of exercise, swelling and inflammation of a vein close to the skin, smoking and blood clot in a deep vein.Read more: China backs Russia’s initiative to revive Russia-India-China troika
Symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency
The symptoms of CVI include:
- Painful leg cramps or muscle spasms (charley horse)
- Swelling in legs or ankles
- Brown-colored skin, often near the ankles
- Varicose veins
- Leg ulcers that are sometimes hard to treat
- Tight feeling in your calves or itchy, painful legs
- Pain when walking that stops when you rest
- Having an uncomfortable feeling in your legs and an urge to move your legs (restless legs syndrome)
Treatment of chronic venous insufficiency
Treatment for chronic venous insufficiency involves lifestyle changes, including exercise, weight management, and leg elevation. Providers also recommend compression therapy for treating the condition. In certain situations, medications or nonsurgical treatment is also suggested. Surgery is another option in severe circumstances.
