Trump was diagnosed with Chronic venous insufficiency after visible swelling and bruises. How serious is it?

Distasteful rumours about the death of US President Donald Trump trended on social media after the MAGA chief remained out of the public eye for more than 72 hours amid mounting concerns about his health. Hashtags like #trumpisdead #whereistrump and #hesdead trended on X as Trump was not seen after the three-hour White House cabinet meeting on Tuesday.

Speculations and rumours about the 79-year-old President went triggered by concerns about his health over the past few weeks. Many TV cameras have shown him with bruises and purple patches on his hands and swollen legs and ankles, sparking concerns about the President's health.

ALSO READ: Trump dead rumours: When White House offered head-scratching excuse for President's new bruise amid health concerns

Trump diagnosed with Chronic venous insufficiency

In July, the White House announced that President Trump has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) after public speculation grew over visible swelling in the president's legs and bruises on his hands. Trump is the oldest person to serve a second term, has faced intensifying scrutiny over his age and cognitive fitness. Though his physician recently declared him "fully fit" after a comprehensive physical that included a perfect score on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, public concern about his health has remained.

The White House released a memo from the president's physician, Sean Barbabella, which revealed the president was diagnosed with CVI after he noticed swelling in his legs.

"The president underwent a comprehensive examination, including diagnostic vascular studies. Bilateral lower extremity venous Doppler ultrasounds were performed and revealed chronic venous insufficiency, a benign and common condition, particularly in individuals over the age of 70," the memo said. It came after Trump was spotted with heavily swollen ankles at a number of public events in recent months.

ALSO READ: Did Trump's niece drop shocking clues and made chilling health revelation? What you need to know

Photos also showed Trump's hand with what appeared to be makeup covering up a bruise or blemish. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the bruise on his hand was "consistent" with irritation from "frequent handshaking and the use of aspirin." She added that "the president remains in excellent health."

What is Chronic venous insufficiency?

CVI is when the veins of the body do not work well. Typically, this happens in the legs or the arms. Veins are what bring blood flow up from the feet or the hands towards the heart. When they don't work well the blood gets stuck. This can cause pain, swelling, throbbing, aching and in the most extreme cases wounds or limb loss, explains Mimmie Kwong, associate professor of vascular surgery at UC Davis Health.

CVI is a condition in which the veins in the legs are unable to efficiently return blood back to the heart and as a result, blood can pool in the lower extremities, leading to swelling, discomfort, and a range of other symptoms.

CVI condition is most often caused by factors such as aging, obesity, prolonged periods of sitting or standing, a history of blood clots (such as deep vein thrombosis), or the presence of varicose veins. Over time, the increased pressure from trapped blood can lead to visible changes in the skin and even open sores, particularly around the ankles.

ALSO READ: $277 million mega Jackpot: Here’s exactly how many numbers can make you a winner

Symptoms of CVI

Most commonly we see swelling in the legs. As the swelling gets worse it can cause skin changes like thickening or inflammation and dryness of the skin. With worse disease conditions you can develop unhealing wounds in the legs and if they get worse it could lead to amputations. It also includes aching or cramping, heaviness, visible varicose veins, skin discoloration, and in more advanced cases, ulcers around the ankles.

Is it life-threatening?

No, CVI is generally not life-threatening but it can significantly affect quality of life if left untreated. It may also increase the risk of complications like cellulitis (a bacterial skin infection) or DVT.

ALSO READ: Google's urgent alert to over 2.5 billion Gmail users to update password: How can you change it? Check steps

As per Newsweek, CVI is a manageable condition, particularly when diagnosed early. However, in older adults or those with other underlying health issues, it may point to broader concerns about circulatory health. The condition is not reversible.

Dr. Brian Funaki, a leading expert in vascular and interventional radiology at the University of Chicago Medicine, told Newsweek: "Generally speaking it is not life-threatening in and of itself, but it can predispose to developing blood clots in the veins in the legs, which in the worst case scenario, could break off and migrate to the lungs causing pulmonary emboli which can be fatal. This is why some people with this condition are treated with anticoagulation or other means such as an inferior vena cava filter which is a device designed to catch migrating blood clots."

What is the treatment?

Treatment for CVI depends on severity but often starts with lifestyle changes like regular exercise, leg elevation, and wearing compression stockings. In more persistent or severe cases, medical interventions such as sclerotherapy, laser therapy, or vein surgery may be recommended to improve blood flow and relieve symptoms.