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EPA<\/p>\nJacqueline Howard<\/p>\n
BBC News<\/p>\n
EPA<\/p>\n
On Thursday, the White House announced that US President Donald Trump has a medical condition in his veins called chronic venous insufficiency.<\/p>\n
During a regular news briefing, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt revealed that Trump, 79, had noticed swelling in his legs, prompting a check-up with his doctor who diagnosed him with the condition.<\/p>\n
Trump had also been recently photographed with patches of make-up on the back of his hand. The White House has said it is unrelated to the vein condition but is instead bruising as a result of frequent handshaking.<\/p>\n
Here are the some of the key things to know about the US president’s diagnosis.<\/p>\n
What is chronic venous insufficiency?<\/p>\n
Trump’s condition is “benign and common”, particularly in individuals over the age of 70, according to a note from White House physician, Captain Sean Barbabella, released to reporters.<\/p>\n
Chronic venous insufficiency occurs when leg veins don’t allow blood to flow back up to the heart, causing it to pool in the lower limbs.<\/p>\n
Normal blood flow from the legs back up to the heart moves against gravity, which in older people can become a difficult process.<\/p>\n
This can be due to weakening valves in veins, something that can occur as people age.<\/p>\n
What are the symptoms?<\/p>\n
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Reuters<\/p>\n
When blood pools in the legs due to chronic venous insufficiency, it can cause swelling like the kind seen in Trump’s ankles in recent photographs.<\/p>\n
“It can be associated with serious conditions, but in and of itself it is not a serious condition, and one that is very common,” Dr Matthew Edwards, chair of the Department of Vascular Surgery at Wake Forest University, told the BBC.<\/p>\n
“People in his age (group), I would say probably somewhere between 10 and 35% of people would have this.”<\/p>\n
Experts say other risks include being overweight, having a history of blood clots, and having jobs that require patients to be on their feet for long durations.<\/p>\n
What did Trump’s doctor say?<\/p>\n
After noticing swelling in his legs, President Trump was evaluated by the White House Medical Unit “out of an abundance of caution”, a statement from Trump’s doctor, Sean Barbabella, said.<\/p>\n
Dr Barbabella wrote that President Trump underwent a “comprehensive examination” that revealed chronic venous insufficiency, which he says is a “benign and common condition”.<\/p>\n
“Importantly, there was no evidence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or arterial disease,” he added.<\/p>\n
Tests also showed “normal cardiac structure and function,” Dr Barbabella said, adding: “No signs of heart failure, renal impairment, or systemic illness were identified.”<\/p>\n
Dr Barbabella also noted bruising on the back of Trump’s hand, which has been noticed in recent photographs, sometimes covered by make-up. <\/p>\n
“This is consistent with minor soft tissue irritation from frequent handshaking and the use of aspirin, which is taken as part of a standard cardiovascular prevention regimen,” he said.<\/p>\n
The memo concluded by saying President Trump “remains in excellent health”.<\/p>\n
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Reuters<\/p>\n
How could the condition affect Trump?<\/p>\n
The US-based Society for Vascular Surgery said the condition can cause heaviness in the affected limb, as well as swelling and pain.<\/p>\n
In some cases, chronic venous insufficiency can also cause painful cramps, spasms and leg ulcers.<\/p>\n
Wearing custom-made, medical-grade compression stockings can help manage the condition, and experts also recommend patients elevating their legs at night and using lotion.<\/p>\n
What has Trump said about his health?<\/p>\n
In April, Trump underwent his first annual physical of his second presidential term.<\/p>\n