US President Donald Trump has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) following an evaluation for hand bruises and lower leg swelling, the White House reported.
The diagnosis was made after the president had slight leg pain for several weeks, according to Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on Thursday.
President Trump's doctor, Dr Sean Barbabella, declared in a letter made public that there was no indication of artery disease or deep vein thrombosis in the US President’s test results.
Here are the some of the key things to know about the Trump's diagnosis.
What is chronic venous insufficiency?
Dr Barbabella’s notes describes it as a “benign and common condition, particularly in individuals over the age of 70.”
According to the Cleveland Clinic, chronic venous insufficiency is a condition in which a person's leg veins are damaged, limiting circulation and resulting in blood pooling in the legs.
The clinic adds that approximately 1 in 20 people suffer from chronic venous insufficiency, and the risk rises with age.
Those who may be pregnant, overweight, have a family history of the disorder, or have had damage to their legs from an injury, surgery, or blood clot in the past are at a higher risk of developing it.
Chronic venous insufficiency can result in swelling similar to that observed in Trump's ankles in recent photos when blood collects in the legs. In more severe cases, it can appear as skin changes, ulceration, bleeding, or deep vein thrombosis, a blood clot in the leg. It may also cause pain and itching.
In recent photos, Trump was also seen wearing makeup patches on the back of his hand to cover bruising. These were also addressed, with the White House saying that the bruises were caused by irritation from “frequent handshaking” coupled with regular intake of aspirin.
Doctors advise using compression hoses and engaging in regular exercise to enhance blood flow in the veins of the legs in order to cure chronic venous insufficiency. Certain medications and treatments might also work, particularly in more serious situations.
Trump’s 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 confirmed that President Trump “remains in excellent physical health” and is “fully fit” to perform his duties.
