President Donald Trump reportedly has a chronic venous insufficiency, or CVI, a common condition of the blood vessels.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told the Washington Examiner on Thursday about the condition after Trump was seen with makeup on his hand, apparently covering a bulge or discoloration.
In addition to the hand symptoms, Trump has also reportedly had swelling in his legs, a common symptom of CVI.
CVI is a common condition that is not life-threatening, but it does come with significant pain in the affected limbs and can negatively affect a patient’s quality of life.
But the president’s physical exam in April, conducted by Dr. Sean Barbabella, reported that Trump’s “joints and muscles have a full range of motion, with normal blood flow and no swelling.”
Here is everything to know about the condition.
What is CVI?
CVI occurs when veins in the legs and arms become damaged and cause blood to pool in a particular area instead of flowing toward the heart.
When blood pools under the skin, it can result in blue or reddish-brownish patches on the skin that can easily break open if scratched or bumped.
Symptoms include aching or tired limbs, discolored skin, and swelling in the affected areas, usually in the lower legs and ankles.
CIV itself is usually not life-threatening, according to the Cleveland Clinic, but it is a progressive condition that can cause more pain and discomfort over time if left untreated.
Why is it causing symptoms in Trump’s hands?
CVI most commonly affects the legs because of gravity, with blood in the legs having a greater distance to travel to reach the heart. But the condition can also affect the hands and arms, known medically as the upper extremities.
A variety of causes could contribute to why the president may be experiencing CVI symptoms in his hands, including blood clots, trauma to the hand or arm, or an underlying blood vessel disorder.
Other chronic conditions, including high blood pressure or kidney issues, also have effects on overall vascular health.
The White House did not respond to the Washington Examiner’s request for comment when asked for more details about the president’s diagnosis.
How common is CVI?
According to Cleveland Clinic, CVI affects roughly 1 in 20 adults in the United States, but milder forms of the condition are much more common.
Varicose veins, also known as spider veins, are also caused by damaged blood vessels that bulge under the skin’s surface.
One in three adults have varicose veins, and one in 50 people who have varicose veins will go on to develop more serious CVI.
What are the treatments for CVI?
The goal for treating CVI is to improve blood flow and to reduce pain and swelling associated with the condition, according to Johns Hopkins Medical Center.
Lifestyle changes, including improved diet and regular exercise, are the first-line treatment recommendations for CVI. Weight management is critical to relieve pressure on veins and damaged valves.
Keeping the affected limbs elevated is also recommended to reduce pressure on your veins. Compression stockings or bandages are also common in order to reduce swelling.
Treatment does not reverse damage but it can improve quality of life.
