What to know about Trump's health and diagnosis

The White House said President Trump was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency Thursday after the leader noticed swelling in his lower limbs and ankles. 

Trump diagnosed with common vein condition after leg swelling

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the president underwent a “comprehensive examination” that revealed the reason behind inflammation in his lower body.

“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," Leavitt told reporters at the Thursday briefing. 

What are the medical details of Trump's chronic venous insufficiency diagnosis?

Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a condition in which the flow of superficial or deep venous blood is impaired, causing venous hypertension, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). 

Disability associated with chronic venous insufficiency contributes to a diminished quality of life and loss of work productivity, the NIH reported.

What are the risks associated with CVI?

“Importantly, there was no evidence of deep vein thrombosis or arterial disease,” Leavitt said. “The president remains in excellent health.”

She noted that Trump is taking medicine prescribed in line with the “standard cardiovascular prevention regimen.” 

If left untreated, CVI is usually progressive and leads to postphlebitic syndrome and venous ulcers.

Postphlebitic syndrome is a long-term complication that causes a blood clot in a deep vein, usually in the leg.

An estimated 10 percent to 35 percent of adults have CVI in the U.S., with 4 percent of adults aged 65 years or older developing venous ulcers, according to the NIH.

Are there emerging treatments for CVI?

CVI is a condition that is often managed by individuals through medical treatments but is not completely cured. Some people use pharmacological or surgical treatments to remedy side effects from the disease.

Other options include mechanochemical ablation, a medical technique that rotates wire inside a catheter to disrupt the vein lining while a sclerosant is injected, causing the vein to collapse. 

Another option for treatment is the VenaSeal, a medical adhesive injected into the vein that seals it shut to reroute blood flow.