Chronic Venous Insufficiency: A Vein Specialist on Causes and Symptoms for Trump’s Diagnosis

In a Memo of July 17 of Dr Sean P. Barbabella, the president’s doctor, Trump was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency or a CVI. According to Barbabella, this diagnosis is common, especially in people over the age of 70 (Trump is 79 years old) and “benign”. As for the bruises that were seen on the back of Trump’s hand, his doctor declares that it is a distinct condition caused by him which frequently shaken his hand while being a Benin side effect of taking him aspirin.

Although Barbabella’s memo concluded that “President Trump remains in excellent health”, we wanted to know more about CVI and if it was as benign as it was done. To learn more about the causes, symptoms and treatments for chronic venous insufficiency, we contacted Khanh Nguyen, Do, medical director of the Center for Vein Restoration.

What is chronic venous insufficiency?

Chronic venous insufficiency is when the veins of your legs do not work as well as they should. “Normally, the veins have small valves which help to raise blood to the heart,” said Nguyen, who is not involved in the case of Trump but who treated patients for CVI. “But if these valves become weak or damaged, the blood can start to pool in the legs instead of moving up as it should.”

The causes of chronic venous insufficiency

According to Nguyen, the most common causes of CVI are:

• Aging: “As we get older, our veins and valves are naturally weakening.”
• Family history: “If members of the nearby family have vein problems, you are more likely to develop them too. Genetics plays an important role in the development of a venous disease.”
• Overcome: “The additional weight puts more pressure on the veins of your legs.”
• Sitting or standing for long periods: “It makes it more difficult for the blood to leave the legs, especially without movement. Blood is constantly fighting against gravity to come back to the heart, therefore walking and activating the calf muscle helps the blood to fall back.”
• Pregnancy: “The increase in blood volume and hormonal changes can put pressure on the venous system. In addition, the enlarged fetus and uterus also put pressure on the abdomen and the basin, compressing the veins and hampering blood yield, further increasing venous hypertension.”
• Previous blood clots: “History of deep venous thrombosis (TVP) can damage venous valves and puts a patient at a higher risk of developing a venous disease.” TVP occurs when a blood clot is formed in one or more deep veins of the body, usually in the legs.

These various factors can increase the pressure of the veins of the legs over time, contributing to venous insufficiency. However, Nguyen states that early treatment and lifestyle changes can help manage symptoms and prevent conditions.

Chronic venous insufficiency symptoms

Although CVI symptoms can vary, Nguyen lists the common lists: swelling of the legs, heaviness, painful, throbbing, agitated legs and cramps. Many patients also note varicose veins and skin changes such as darkening or itching around the ankles. In advanced cases, you can even see venous ulcers or open wounds near the lower legs.

“Symptoms often worsen after prolonged periods of standing position or sitting position and to improve with the elevation of the legs and the use of compression stockings,” said Nguyen.

Is chronic venous insufficiency “benign”?

Although Dr. Sean P. Barbabella, Trump’s doctor, says that CVI is “Benin”, Nguyen says that it is not the complete image. “Although CVI is often labeled” Benin “because it is not fatal as arterial disease, it is not a harmless condition,” he said. “Leave untreated, it can have a significant impact on quality of life and lead to complications such as chronic pain, skin changes, venous ulcers and potentially blood clots.”

In other words, chronic venous insufficiency is not something that you should ignore. “It is a medical problem that deserves the attention and treatment of experts, especially because early intervention can help prevent its progression,” said Nguyen.

Chronic venous insufficiency diagnosis

“The CVI is generally diagnosed by taking an in -depth history and by carrying out a physical examination followed by a duplex ultrasound, a non -invasive imaging test which visualizes the blood flow and assesses the function of the veins and their valves,” explains Nguyen. This test allows doctors to confirm venous reflux (when the veins fight to circulate blood towards the heart) and to exclude other conditions such as deep venous thrombosis.

Treatment of chronic venous insufficiency

Nguyen reports that CVI is treated with a combination of the following elements: compression therapy, lifestyle changes and mini-invasive procedures that close or redirect blood flow from defective veins.

“Today’s advanced ambulatory treatments generally take less than an hour to finish, require little or no stop time and are covered by insurance when they are medically necessary,” he explains. “Patients can immediately return to their normal routine, with few restrictions.”

The diagnosis and treatment of early CVIs are essential

According to Nguyen, one of the greatest challenges in CVI is that people ignore early symptoms, canceling them like fatigue or aging. This is particularly worrying because CVI is treatable, thanks to modern therapies that are effective, safe and fast.

“If you feel discomfort of the legs, swelling or visible veins, do not wait – early diagnosis and treatment can make a huge difference in the health and comfort of your legs in the long term,” concludes Nguyen.