What is "Venous Insufficiency"? Understanding the condition President Trump is diagnosed with

After going through a thorough health examination US President Donald Trump, 79, has been diagnosed with a common vein condition known as chronic venous insufficiency. The White House said that the President noticed swelling in his legs and therefore, underwent a health checkup.

Trump's physician, Sean Barbabella, said in a memorandum, released by the White House on July 17 said that the president remains in "excellent" overall health after he was "thoroughly evaluated" by the White House Medical Unit, after noticing mild swelling in his lower legs. This, he said, was done keeping with "routine medical care and out of an abundance of caution."

Later, the White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, during a press briefing on Thursday, said that President Trump is in good health, stressing that the swelling in his lower legs is a benign condition given his age, and the bruising on his right hand was from shaking so many hands.

"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 by Trump's physician read.

What is Venous Insufficiency?

In chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), our legs' veins are unable to effectively return blood to the heart. Blood can flow backward and collect in our lower limbs, especially the legs and ankles, when the tiny one-way valves inside the veins weaken or are damaged.

This accumulation of blood raises vein pressure over time, resulting in a number of unpleasant and occasionally dangerous symptoms.

How Do Veins That Are Healthy Function?

In a circulatory system in good health:

Your body uses the oxygen in your veins to return blood to the heart.

Tiny valves inside your veins open to let blood flow through and close to prevent it from flowing backward, particularly when it rises from your legs.

These valves malfunction in venous insufficiency, allowing blood to pool in the legs and leak backward. We refer to this as reflux.

Why Does It Occur?

Typical causes or risk factors include the following:

Prior leg blood clots (deep vein thrombosis)

Vein varicosity is an early indicator of valve failure.

Pregnancy causes an increase in vein pressure.

Being obese strains the veins in the legs.

Extended periods of standing or sitting that impair circulation

Vein issues in the family history

Vein elasticity and valve function deteriorate with age.

Common Signs and Symptoms:

Venous insufficiency patients frequently have:

Edema, or swelling, in the ankles or lower legs

Leg pain, cramping, or heaviness that usually gets worse after standing for extended periods of time

Skin that is flaky, itchy, or discolored around the calves or ankles

Bulging, twisted veins that are visible beneath the skin are called varicose veins.

ulcers or wounds that heal slowly, particularly around the ankles

Is This Serious?

Venous insufficiency is typically not fatal, but if treatment is not received, it can deteriorate over time and significantly impair quality of life. In certain instances, it may result in open sores (venous ulcers) that are difficult to heal, skin damage, and persistent pain.

How Is It Handled?

Depending on the severity, venous insufficiency can be managed or treated in a variety of ways:

Conservative Medical Interventions:

Compression stockings: Assist in forcing blood upward by compressing the veins.

Elevating your legs above your heart lowers blood pressure.

To improve circulation, engage in physical activity, particularly walking.

Steer clear of extended standing or sitting

Medical or Surgical Interventions:

Drugs: To enhance blood flow and lessen inflammation.

Sclerotherapy is the process of collapsing veins by injecting a solution into them.

Radiofrequency ablation or endovenous laser therapy (EVLT) are minimally invasive methods for sealing injured veins.

Vein stripping: In extreme situations, the afflicted veins are surgically removed.