Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI)

Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) : Recently, the White House officially confirmed that President Donald Trump has been diagnosed with Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) following symptoms of swelling in his lower legs and bruising on his hand.

• About CVI : A vascular condition where veins in the legs fail to return blood efficiently to the heart.

o It occurs due to damaged or weakened vein valves, leading to venous reflux—a backward flow of blood. This causes blood pooling in the lower legs and feet.

o Common Symptoms: Swelling, especially around the ankles and feet

ü Aching, heaviness, or tingling in the legs

ü Varicose veins – enlarged and twisted veins

ü Leg cramps, skin changes, and in severe cases, leg ulcers

• Is CVI Serious: In early stages, CVI is generally mild and manageable. If left untreated, it may lead to complications like: Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) – blood clots in deeper veins

ü Pulmonary Embolism – clots that travel to the lungs

• Treatment : Lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, leg elevation, and weight management, followed by compression therapy using tight stockings or bandages, medications to improve blood flow, and, in advanced cases, surgical intervention.