President Donald Trump has received a diagnosis of chronic venous insufficiency, a common problem in the elderly who occurs when the veins of the legs have trouble rushing down to the heart.
President’s doctor Sean Barbabella, DO, said in a memo published by the White House that Trump, 79, had suffered a complete examination which revealed the condition after having undergone a slight swelling in the lower legs.
This evaluation found no evidence of artery disease or deep venous thrombosis (TVP) according to the memo. TVP is a potentially fatal condition that occurs when a blood clot is formed in a deep vein in the legs or arms.
There was also no proof of abnormalities in the structure or function of the heart, heart failure, kidney disorders or other “systemic diseases”, according to memo.
Chronic venous insufficiency is common – what’s in question?
It is not surprising that the president received this diagnosis because he is quite widespread, explains Elizabeth L. Chou, MD, assistant professor and vascular surgeon at the Smidt Heart Institute of Cedars Sinai in Los Angeles.
- Obesity
- Tobacco consumption
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Female
- Use of oral contraceptives
- Family history of varicose veins
- Personal History of TVP
“People who stand or sit for long periods throughout the day are at risk because the veins send back from our feet to our hearts and count on our leg muscles and muscle activity like walking to squeeze the blood against gravity to our heart,” explains Chou.
When we hold or sit for long periods, the leg muscles do not tighten and the veins rest on valves in them to prevent the blood from returning to our feet, says cabbage. Over a long time, these valves can become fleeting and allow the blood to infiltrate the feet. “This process of leaks is the underlying cause of chronic venous insufficiency,” explains Chou.
How is chronic venous insufficiency treated?
This may include:
- Lifestyle changes such as walking or any other regular exercise to improve blood circulation in the veins
- Weight loss if you are overweight or if you have obesity
- Spend several periods of the day raising your legs above your heart level to reduce pressure on the veins of the legs
Compression bandages and stockings can also help alleviate swelling of the legs and improve blood flow.
Doctors can carry out non -surgical treatments for chronic venous insufficiency, including endevere thermal removal, a process that uses a laser or high frequency radio waves to apply heat that closes the sick vein.
Mini-invasive surgery can get damaged veins so that the blood does not cross them anymore. In more serious cases, there is veins’ bridging surgery, which eliminates the sick veins, then replaces them with a healthy vein taken elsewhere in the body.
“Chronic venous insufficiency is generally not threatened with life or limbo,” explains Chou. “This is a condition that causes symptoms that can affect the quality of life and the appearance of the legs and feet. A combination of conservative and surgical procedures can considerably improve the quality of life and appearance. ”
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