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Trump has chronic venous insufficiency: Here is all you need to know about the leg condition

It is a blood flow problem that can be managed and is common in people above 70

President Donald Trump speaks to the media as he leaves the White House. (AP)

US President Donald Trump has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, when leg veins do not allow the blood to flow back to the heart. This clears the speculation over photos of Trump moving around with swollen ankles and bruises in his hand.

This condition is most common in those over 70 and Trump, being 79, is no exception. In a media briefing, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt also clarified that he had no other circulation-related condition like deep vein thrombosis, arterial issues, kidney or heart disease. “Chronic venous insufficiency is a condition which happens when the walls or valves in your leg veins don’t allow blood to flow back up to your heart. So blood flows downwards and can pool in your legs,” says Dr Rajendra Prasad, vascular and endo-vascular surgeon at Manipal Hospital, Bengaluru.

Is chronic venous insufficiency a localised problem?

It may begin with one leg. The pooling of blood and increased pressure in the leg veins can lead to skin changes, pain, swelling and cramps that can affect both legs. In some cases, it might even lead to leg ulcers.

What are the causes for this condition?

This happens when you are overweight, pregnant, have a genetic history or a history of leg injury or trauma. High blood pressure, prolonged sedentary behaviour in your advancing years, lack of exercise and smoking are all triggers. A blood clot in a deep vein, often in the calf or thigh (deep vein thrombosis) may be a secondary trigger as are swelling and inflammation of the vein. Sometimes, a long bed-ridden status or cancer can cause this as well. Patients may be both symptomatic and asymptomatic.

Is this condition related to heart health?

No, it isn’t. However, they share the same risk factors like obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, ageing and lack of exercise. Research at Mainz University, Germany has found that people with chronic venous insufficiency are about 60 per cent more likely to have severe cardiovascular disease at the same time than people of the same age and gender without it.

How is chronic venous insufficiency diagnosed?

A Doppler ultrasound test can diagnose this condition. This helps visualise blood flow in the veins, identify blockages or clots and evaluate valve function in the legs.

What about treatment?

We have medication that helps venous walls to pump better and recommend compression stockings for patients. They should not sit or stand for long periods and remain physically active. In complicated scenarios, one may need minimally invasive surgery procedures like laser ablation which uses laser energy to heat and close damaged veins, improving blood flow. There is also the “vein glue” procedure, which involves sealing off the affected veins with medical glue, redirecting blood flow to healthier veins. It’s an alternative to traditional treatments like vein ligation and stripping, offering faster recovery times.