Donald Trump has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency: how dangerous it is and how it is treated

The diagnosis was confirmed by the president's attending physician in a letter released by the White House. Despite this, according to doctors, the 79-year-old Trump "remains in excellent health."

What is this disease and why does it occur?

Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) occurs when blood flow in the veins, most commonly in the lower extremities, is impaired.

"In this condition, blood struggles to return from the legs to the heart and begins to stagnate in the legs, increasing the pressure in the blood vessels," explains Teresa Larkin, an expert at The Conversation.

This leads to swelling, varicose veins and even skin ulcers.

One of the main causes of CVI is damage to the valves within the veins, which are responsible for moving blood upwards against gravity. When the valves are damaged, blood can flow backwards and pool in the legs.

Another factor, according to the study authors, is damage to the inner lining of the veins.

"Smoking is one of the main causes of such damage, although such changes can also occur naturally with age," notes Theresa Larkin.

Physical pressure on the pelvic veins, such as in pregnancy, obesity or tumours, can also make it difficult for blood to flow out of the lower limbs. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is another risk factor, although in Trump's case, doctors said, there were no signs of thrombosis.

How common and dangerous is chronic venous insufficiency?

In the United States, CVI occurs in 10-35% of adults. The risk of developing the disease increases with age, obesity, pregnancy, and prolonged standing. According to the study authors, the disease is especially common in smokers and people who have suffered deep venous thrombosis.

"Chronic venous insufficiency itself is not lethal, but the disease is progressive and can provoke other serious conditions," the authors of the study note.

In particular, CVI increases the risk of deep venous thrombosis, because stagnant blood tends to form blood clots. And deep vein thrombosis, in turn, can lead to a life-threatening condition called pulmonary embolism, where a blood clot blocks blood vessels in the lungs.

"One of the most serious consequences of chronic venous insufficiency is the appearance of venous ulcers on the legs. These ulcers are painful, prone to infection, and often recur," warns Larkin.

According to research, about 4 per cent of Americans over the age of 65 suffer from venous ulcers caused by CVI.

How is chronic venous insufficiency treated?

Treatment options depend on the severity of the condition and the causes of the condition. In the initial stage, patients are advised to raise their legs above the level of the heart and wear special compression stockings to facilitate the return of blood to the heart. Exercise, such as walking, and weight control are also important.

"In more severe cases, surgery may be needed to restore normal venous valve function, remove blood clots, or place a stent if a vein is compressed," the authors add.

Conclusions about Trump's health

In Donald Trump's case, doctors have not yet identified severe complications such as deep vein thrombosis, and the president's condition is assessed positively.

Nevertheless, Trump's diagnosis is a reminder of the need to pay close attention to the condition of the veins and the prevention of diseases of the vascular system, especially in old age.

"This is a common pathology among the elderly, and the case of the US President shows the importance of timely diagnosis and prevention," emphasises Teresa Larkin.

Thus, the chronic venous insufficiency detected in Donald Trump does not yet pose a serious threat to his health, but requires regular monitoring and preventive measures to prevent possible complications in the future.