President Donald Trump has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency following an evaluation for leg swelling, the White House announced Thursday. According to press secretary Karoline Leavitt, Trump, 79, underwent a “comprehensive examination, including diagnostic vascular studies” conducted by the White House Medical Unit. The findings were detailed in a note from the president’s physician, Capt. Sean Barbabella, which Leavitt read during a briefing.
What are the findings?
“Bilateral lower extremity venous Doppler ultrasounds were performed and revealed chronic venous insufficiency, ICD-9, a common condition, especially in individuals over the age of 70,” said a statement from President Trump’s doctor, Capt. Sean Barbabella. According to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, the assessment came after Trump reported experiencing “mild swelling in his lower legs” for a number of weeks.
Leavitt read from Barbabella’s note that all of Trump’s lab results were “within normal limits” and that there was “no evidence of deep vein thrombosis or arterial disease.” Additionally, an echocardiogram revealed “no signs of heart failure, renal impairment, or systemic illness.”
Later, Leavitt said the president was feeling “no discomfort.” She referred to Barbabella’s upcoming letter about the condition’s treatment. The president’s “frequent handshaking” and aspirin use are the reasons for the bruises that have developed on the back of his hand, the press secretary added. According to Barbabella, Leavitt stated, “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.”
What is chronic venous insufficiency?
Chronic venous insufficiency occurs when the valves in certain veins fail, causing blood to pool in the veins instead of flowing back to the heart. This can cause symptoms like varicose veins, leg pain or cramping, skin changes or pain, and swelling in the lower legs or ankles. Every year, the illness affects about 150,000 people, and the risk increases with age. Treatment options can vary from prescription medications to more complex medical procedures, depending on the severity of the illness. Chronic venous insufficiency or related vein diseases are characterised by a dull hurting, heaviness, or cramping sensation in the legs, often accompanied by itching and tingling.