What is chronic venous insufficiency? Understanding President Trump’s diagnosis

SAN FRANCISCO — President Donald Trump was examined by the White House medical unit and has chronic venous insufficiency, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced Thursday. 

The health exam happened after photos of Trump, 79, with swollen ankles and a bruised hand sparked conversations about his health online. The photos were taken while the president was sitting and watching the FIFA World Cup earlier this week. 

Leavitt said that Trump noticed “mild swelling” in his lower legs and was evaluated and the tests showed “no evidence of deep vein thrombosis or arterial disease,” but that Trump has “chronic venous insufficiency,” or pooling of blood in the legs.

As for the bruising on his hand? Leavitt said that the bruising on Trump’s hand covered up by makeup is “consistent” with irritation from his “frequent handshaking and the use of aspirin.” Trump takes the medicine as a part of a “standard cardiovascular prevention regimen,” she said.

She says physicians said the president is still in “excellent health” despite the blood pooling in his legs.

So what do the exam results mean? 

Chronic venous insufficiency is the medical term for when “leg veins don’t allow blood to flow back up to your heart,” according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. 

Due to the decreased blood flow, it can cause blood to flow backwards or pool in the legs, instead of pumping to the heart. 

Chronic venous insufficiency affects about 1 in 20 adults, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Most diagnosed with the above are over 50 and the risk increases the older you are. Trump just turned 79. 

The Cleveland Clinic says chronic venous insufficiency happens when veins in the legs are “damaged.” 

There are many reasons why a person might be diagnosed with or suffer from chronic venous insufficiency, including but not limited to: being over the age of 50, family history, obesity, tobacco use, pregnancy, previous leg injuries, prolonged standing or sitting, or having a sedentary lifestyle, according to the National Library of Medicine. 

Blood clots are one cause, but Leavitt said that was tested for and ruled out.

Symptoms include swelling in the legs or ankles, tight feeling in the legs or calves, pain that stops when resting, discolored skin, restless legs syndrome and painful leg cramps, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.  

Because there are many reasons as to why someone may have chronic venous insufficiency, treatment options depend on a variety of factors. 

People often are advised to lose weight, walk for exercise and elevate their legs periodically, and some may be advised to wear compression stockings. Severe cases over time can lead to complications including lower leg sores called ulcers and may have to be treated with surgery.