What was President Trump diagnosed with? Get the facts on chronic venous insufficiency
The White House revealed the new diagnosis after recent photos of swelling in President Trump's ankles raised questions about his health.
The White House revealed the new diagnosis after recent photos of swelling in President Trump's ankles raised questions about his health.
The White House revealed the new diagnosis after recent photos of swelling in President Trump's ankles raised questions about his health.
Recent photos of swelling in President Donald Trump's ankles raised questions about his health. Now, the White House is revealing a new diagnosis of
describes it as "a benign and common condition, particularly in individuals over the age of 70."
"The veins essentially return blood flow from the feet back to the heart and, in this condition of chronic venous insufficiency, the valves within the vein malfunction," said vice chair of vascular surgery at the Cleveland Clinic.
Damage to those valves causes blood to pool in the legs, increasing pressure in the veins and causing symptoms like swelling and ulcers.
"Does it threaten one's life? No. But it certainly may cause disability, difficulty walking. In a more moderate sense, maybe pain and swelling," Kirksey said.
The noted there was no evidence of more serious medical conditions like deep vein thrombosis, in which blood clots develop, or arterial disease, which can lead to amputations in severe cases.
"That's really the president's medical staff being very thorough," Kirksey said.
The White House didn't specify how Trump is treating this condition but said it wasn't causing him any discomfort.
Kirksey said he would advise patients with chronic venous insufficiency to wear compression socks, eat a healthier diet, increase exercise and watch their weight.
"I look at this diagnosis as kind of a yellow flag, whether other things are contributing to the development of chronic venous insufficiency," Kirksey added. "I do think it's an opportunity to shine a spotlight on this very common but underdiagnosed condition."
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