United States President Donald Trump has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) after undergoing evaluation for lower leg swelling and hand bruising, the White House has announced.Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Thursday that the diagnosis was made after the president experienced mild discomfort in his legs over several weeks.
In a publicly released letter, President Trump’s physician, Dr Sean Barbabella, confirmed there was no evidence of deep vein thrombosis or arterial disease. All of Trump’s lab results were within normal limits.
“An echocardiogram was also performed, and confirmed normal cardiac structure and function,” the letter added.
But what is chronic venous insufficiency, and how risky is it? Here is what we know:
What is chronic venous insufficiency?
CVI is a type of vein disorder that develops when the veins in the legs become damaged, Cleveland Clinic explains. Veins have valves that help blood move up towards the heart. When these valves are damaged, they don’t close properly, and blood can flow backwards. This is called venous reflux.
This can lead to blood pooling in the lower legs. Along with swelling – most often around the feet and ankles – symptoms may include aching legs, a heavy or tingling sensation, and the appearance of varicose veins.
According to Cleveland Clinic, the disease affects about one in three adults, while CVI affects people over age 50. The risk rises with age.
(Al Jazeera)
What are other common symptoms?
According to the American Heart Association, some s …
