Donald Trump Diagnosed With Chronic Venous Insufficiency: How Do You Know If You Have It?

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When recent photos of 79-year-old Donald Trump showed unexplained bruises on his hands and puffiness in his ankles, social media went into overdrive with speculation.

The White House finally addressed the concern during a media briefing, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirming that the US President has been diagnosed with Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI)-a condition often ignored until the body begins to show visible signs.

According to the statement, Trump underwent a routine check-up after noticing "mild swelling" in his ankles. Doctors found that his veins were not efficiently returning blood from the legs to the heart-a textbook case of chronic venous insufficiency. Although the condition is common among people over 70, it has sparked renewed interest and concern because of how silently it progresses.

Here's what you should know about this surprisingly common vein condition-and whether your body might already be sending you subtle warnings.

What Is Chronic Venous Insufficiency?

Chronic Venous Insufficiency is a medical condition where veins-especially those in the legs-lose their ability to send blood back to the heart efficiently. The result is blood pooling in the lower limbs, leading to swelling, discomfort, and even long-term skin changes.

In healthy veins, one-way valves help push blood upward, but in CVI, these valves become weakened or damaged. This makes blood flow backward and collect in the legs. Over time, the added pressure can cause veins to stretch, twist, and eventually become varicose.
While it's not immediately life-threatening, untreated CVI can lead to ulcers, chronic leg pain, and serious mobility issues.

Chronic Venous Insufficiency: Early Warning Signs You Shouldn't Ignore

What makes CVI tricky is that many of its early symptoms are easy to dismiss as age-related fatigue or standing too long.
Persistent swelling in the ankles or calves, especially after sitting or standing for a long time, is often the first red flag. If you also notice a heaviness or tiredness in your legs that gets worse by the evening, it could be your veins crying for help.

Some people experience a tight, itchy sensation or see discoloration near the ankles. Others may spot bulging or twisted veins, commonly known as varicose veins, which are not just cosmetic-they're a clinical symptom.
In more advanced cases, thickened skin, dark patches, and open sores or ulcers can appear, making treatment more complicated.

Chronic Venous Insufficiency: Who Is At Risk?

Age is the number one risk factor-CVI is especially common in people over 60, like Donald Trump. But it doesn't stop there.

Women are more likely to develop it than men, especially after pregnancy. Other risk factors include obesity, prolonged sitting or standing, lack of exercise, and a family history of vein problems. Even people with a history of blood clots or leg injuries are more vulnerable.

Smokers and those with high blood pressure or diabetes may experience faster deterioration in vein health, as poor circulation accelerates the process.

Chronic Venous Insufficiency Diagnosis: How It's Found

Doctors usually diagnose CVI through a physical examination and a Doppler ultrasound, which shows how blood is flowing in the veins.
If swelling is persistent, especially in one leg, and lifestyle changes haven't helped, your doctor might order a venogram-an X-ray test involving a contrast dye to visualize vein function more clearly.

This is likely how Trump's condition was confirmed-after observing ankle swelling, a scan would've revealed the slowed venous return.

Chronic Venous Insufficiency: Treatment Options That Work

The good news? CVI is treatable-especially if caught early.

• Doctors usually start with compression therapy, involving medical-grade stockings that help push blood upward. Lifestyle modifications like elevating the legs, losing weight, and regular walking also make a huge difference.

• In moderate to severe cases, sclerotherapy (injecting veins with a solution to close them), laser treatment, or surgical procedures may be needed to repair or remove damaged veins.

• Anti-inflammatory medications and topical creams can help relieve symptoms temporarily, but the goal is to restore normal circulation.

Donald Trump's diagnosis may seem like a headline-grabber, but it offers a rare glimpse into a condition that's both common and commonly overlooked. Most people don't associate swollen feet with vein failure-until it's too late.
Knowing your body, watching for subtle signs, and staying active can help prevent CVI or slow its progression. If you've noticed ankle swelling or leg fatigue, it may be time to check in with your doctor, not just brush it off.