Following recent reports that President Donald Trump's ankles appeared swollen, the White House has confirmed that Trump has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency.
In the president's annual physical exam released in April, Navy Capt. Sean Barbabella said Trump's "blood flow to his extremities is unimpaired."
"President Trump exhibits excellent cognitive and physical health and is fully fit to execute the duties of the Commander-in-Chief and Head of State," Barbabella wrote.
Weeks later, photographs began to emerge that showed bruises on Trump's hands and swelling around his ankles, leading to questions about the accuracy of the president's health prognosis.
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On July 17, the White House released a statement that confirmed Trump "underwent a comprehensive examination" that revealed he had chronic venous insufficiency, "a benign and common condition," the White House statement from Barbabella said, who added that "President Trump remains in excellent health."
Historically, the Trump administration has lacked transparency around the president's health. For example, during the pandemic, Trump did not disclose that he and First Lady Melania Trump had been vaccinated against COVID-19 until months after they received their doses, the New York Times reported in 2021.
About 1 in 20 U.S. adults are estimated to develop chronic venous insufficiency, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Cardiologists and vascular health experts offered insights about this medical condition to PBS News.
What is chronic venous insufficiency?
Chronic venous insufficiency develops when key valves in leg veins are no longer able to help blood flow back up to the heart, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Blood then collects in the legs and places pressure on veins, which can lead to an increase in pressure and discomfort if left untreated.
This condition often develops in people "who spend a lot of time on their feet," said Dr. Scott Cameron, a cardiologist who specializes in blood vessel disorders at the Cleveland Clinic. He pointed to Trump being an avid golfer. Cameron added he also has noticed the condition in people who are older, sit for long periods of time or have several pregnancies early in life. In his practice, Cameron said the condition is "most common in individuals who carry more weight than they ought to."
Varicose veins are among the most commonly recognizable forms of chronic venous insufficiency, Cameron said.
How do you diagnose chronic venous insufficiency?
People with chronic venous insufficiency often describe their legs as feeling heavy, achy or itchy, said Dr. Andrea Obi, a professor and vascular surgeon at the University of Michigan Medical Center. Eventually, legs may swell, and the skin may darken and become discolored because of the blood pooling underneath.
While these symptoms may seem benign at first, they can become serious quickly, health care providers told PBS News. People should consult with their physician or nurse practitioner and undergo a physical exam to rule out possible heart failure, kidney failure or cirrhosis, said Dr. Aaron Aday, a vascular medicine specialist and cardiologist at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
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Cameron said it is "under-diagnosed and undertreated," which can lead to "large costs" due to these delays in care.
"Vein disease actually accounts for 10 times more visits to the doctor and to emergency rooms than artery disease," Cameron said. "Because of that, it is under-estimated, and the consequence is a huge burden on the health care system."
How do you treat chronic venous insufficiency?
Once diagnosed, most patients tend to respond well to a three-pronged treatment strategy, Aday said.
- Exercise (especially walking) to strengthen calf and leg muscles so they can help veins pump blood more efficiently.
- Elevate the feet when seated.
- Compression (wearing medical-grade compression stockings can provide support to legs and veins and improve bloodflow).
"It's a progressive and chronic condition that will need lifelong management," Cameron said.
What happens if chronic venous insufficiency is left untreated?
If people with chronic venous insufficiency delay treatment, even relatively minor injuries can become potentially catastrophic, experts told PBS News. For example, a person with high pressure in their veins may sprain their ankle. If they have not taken steps to manage their condition for some time, the stress their legs already endure may lead to open sores that stubbornly do not heal, leak fluid and require wound dressing, Aday said.
"They don't happen overnight," he said. "They can be very challenging."