Donald Trump’s chronic venous insufficiency: Experts explain the condition

Trump’s diagnosis brings attention to a common vein issue

When it came out that former President Donald Trump was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), it got a lot of people talking. Some were surprised. Others weren’t sure what it meant.

But for us vein doctors, it was a reminder that this condition is more common than most people realize and that many ignore the signs until it gets worse.

If you’ve ever had leg swelling, aching, or heaviness, this article is for you. Let’s break it down simply.

What is chronic venous insufficiency?

Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a condition where the veins in your legs struggle to return blood back to your heart. This happens when the tiny one-way valves in your veins become weak or damaged. Instead of blood flowing upward, it can leak backward and pool in the legs.

Over time, this backward flow (called venous reflux) causes increased pressure in the veins, leading to symptoms like swelling, aching, and visible varicose veins.

Think of your veins like plumbing. When the valves malfunction, pressure builds and your legs are where that pressure shows up. If left untreated, CVI can lead to more serious complications, including skin discoloration, open sores (ulcers), and even blood clots like deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

What causes CVI and who’s at risk?

Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) doesn’t happen all at once. It usually builds up slowly over time, and it’s often caused by things that put extra pressure on your leg veins or damage the valves inside them.

Here are the most common causes and risk factors:

• Age:  As we get older, our vein valves naturally weaken. CVI is more common after age 50.

• Family history: If your parents or siblings have vein problems, you’re more likely to have them too.

• Extra weight: Carrying excess weight puts more pressure on your legs, which makes it harder for veins to work properly.

• Standing or sitting too long: If your job or routine keeps you on your feet (or in a chair) for hours at a time, blood can start to pool in your legs.

• Pregnancy: Especially with multiple pregnancies, the added pressure on your veins can make valves stretch or weaken.

• Past blood clots (DVT): A clot can damage the valves in your veins, leading to CVI later.

• Lack of movement: Being inactive for long periods can slow down blood flow, increasing your risk.

• Smoking: Smoking damages your blood vessels and makes circulation worse, which can lead to vein problems like CVI.

While anyone can develop chronic venous insufficiency, the risk goes up if you have more than one of these factors. It’s the same condition former President Donald Trump was diagnosed with after experiencing swelling in his legs—a common early sign of CVI.

The good news? Even if you’re at risk, CVI is highly treatable, especially when we catch it early. The key is paying attention to your legs and getting checked if something doesn’t feel right.

Symptoms you shouldn’t ignore

The early signs of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) can be easy to miss. A lot of people think it’s just part of getting older or feeling tired after a long day. But these small changes in your legs may be your body’s way of saying something’s not right with your veins.

Watch for these common CVI symptoms:

• Leg swelling

• A feeling of heaviness, aching, or throbbing in your legs

• Bulging or twisted veins (also known as varicose veins)

• Cramping or that “restless leg” feeling, especially at night

• Itching or burning near your visible veins

• Skin changes darkening, dryness, or discoloration around your ankles

• Open sores or ulcers that don’t heal well on the lower legs

Is CVI dangerous or contagious?

There’s been a lot of talk since Donald Trump was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), and with it, a few misunderstandings. Let’s clear those up.

Can I catch CVI from someone else?

No. chronic venous insufficiency is not contagious. It’s not caused by a virus or bacteria. You can’t catch it from someone else, and it’s not something you pass to others.

CVI is a circulation problem, a mechanical issue with how blood flows in your veins, especially in your legs.

Can CVI be dangerous?

It can be if left untreated.  Chronic venous insufficiency doesn’t directly shorten your life, but over time, it can cause problems that are much harder to deal with, including:

• Painful leg ulcers (open sores that don’t heal easily)
• Skin infections due to poor circulation
• Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis or DVT), which can become dangerous if they move to the lungs

What are the treatments for chronic venous insufficiency?

Years ago, treating vein problems often meant surgery and long recovery times. But today, chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is usually treated with minimally invasive procedure

Most people walk in and walk out the same day, and they’re back to normal activities within a day or two.

Here are the most common ways we treat CVI:

• Sclerotherapy
  Used for smaller veins like spider veins. A solution is injected to seal them shut.
• Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
  A thin catheter is inserted into the faulty vein, and heat is used to gently close it off. Your body redirects blood to healthier veins.
• Laser Ablation (EVLA)
  Similar to RFA, but it uses laser energy to seal the vein from the inside.
• VenaSeal™
  A medical adhesive (like a special glue) is used to close the vein. No heat or compression stockings needed afterward.
• ClariVein®
  A small rotating catheter delivers medicine inside the vein. It doesn’t use heat and causes very little discomfort.
• Varithena®
  A foam medication is injected into large varicose veins to collapse and close them.
• Compression therapy
  Special medical stockings can reduce swelling and help after treatment. They don’t cure CVI but can manage symptoms.

When to see a vein specialist

If your legs are swelling, aching, or feeling tired more often and especially if you see bulging veins, don’t wait until your symptoms get worse. It’s time to talk to a vein specialist.