BBC News – On Thursday, the White House announced that US President Donald Trump has a medical condition in his veins called chronic venous insufficiency.
Here are the some of the key things to know about the US president’s diagnosis.
What is chronic venous insufficiency?
Chronic venous insufficiency occurs when leg veins don’t allow blood to flow back up to the heart, causing it to pool in the lower limbs.
Normal blood flow from the legs back up to the heart moves against gravity, which in older people can become a difficult process.
This can be due to weakening valves in veins, something that can occur as people age.
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What did Trump’s doctor say?
After noticing swelling in his legs, President Trump was evaluated by the White House Medical Unit “out of an abundance of caution”, a statement from Trump’s doctor, Sean Barbabella, said.
Dr Barbabella wrote that President Trump underwent a “comprehensive examination” that revealed chronic venous insufficiency, which he says is a “benign and common condition”.
“Importantly, there was no evidence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or arterial disease,” he added.
Tests also showed “normal cardiac structure and function,” Dr Barbabella said, adding: “No signs of heart failure, renal impairment, or systemic illness were identified.”
Dr Barbabella also noted bruising on the back of Trump’s hand, which has been noticed in recent photographs, sometimes covered by make-up.
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“This is consistent with minor soft tissue irritation from frequent handshaking and the use of aspirin, which is taken as part of a standard cardiovascular prevention regimen,” he said.
How could the condition affect Trump?
The US-based Society for Vascular Surgery said the condition can cause heaviness in the affected limb, as well as swelling and pain.
In some cases, chronic venous insufficiency can also cause painful cramps, spasms and leg ulcers.
Wearing custom-made, medical-grade compression stockings can help manage the condition …