Trump’s Chronic Venous Insufficiency: Expert Breakdown
Trump’s diagnosis brings national attention to a common vein issue
When it was revealed that former President Donald Trump was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), many people were surprised and many more weren’t even sure what CVI was.
For vein specialists here in California, it was a chance to raise awareness about a condition we treat every day at our vein clinics across the state. If you’ve experienced leg swelling, aching, or heaviness, this information could apply to you. Let’s break it down clearly and simply.
What is chronic venous insufficiency?
Chronic venous insufficiency happens when the veins in your legs stop working properly. Normally, tiny valves in your veins keep blood flowing up toward your heart. But if those valves get weak or damaged, blood can leak backward and pool in the legs, causing pressure and discomfort.
Over time, this can lead to leg swelling, varicose veins, and symptoms like aching or fatigue. If left untreated, CVI can cause skin discoloration, sores, and even blood clots, including deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
What causes CVI and who’s at risk?
CVI usually develops slowly, and several risk factors increase your chances of developing it, especially here in California, where long commutes, standing jobs, and active lifestyles can all contribute.
Common causes and risk factors include:
- Being over age 50
- Family history of vein problems
- Obesity or carrying extra weight
- Long periods of standing or sitting (like commuting in LA traffic or working at a desk)
- Pregnancy (especially more than one)
- Past blood clots (DVT)
- Lack of regular movement
- Smoking
It’s the same condition Donald Trump was diagnosed with after noticing leg swelling, one of the earliest warning signs of CVI. The good news? CVI is very treatable, especially when caught early.
Symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency to watch for
Many people in California mistake early CVI signs for general fatigue or just getting older. But if your legs feel heavy, swollen, or uncomfortable, your body could be warning you.
Symptoms include:
- Swelling in your legs or ankles
- A feeling of heaviness, aching, or throbbing
- Bulging or twisted varicose veins
- Restless legs or cramping, especially at night
- Itching or burning near visible veins
- Skin changes around the ankles (dryness or discoloration)
- Sores or ulcers that don’t heal well
If you’re experiencing these symptoms consistently, visit one of our California vein clinics for a quick, non invasive evaluation.
Is chronic venous insufficiency contagious or dangerous?
No, chronic venous insufficiency is not contagious. It’s not an infection or something you can catch from another person. It’s a circulatory issue, usually caused by valve damage or vein pressure.
While CVI doesn’t shorten life expectancy, it can lead to serious problems if left untreated, such as:
- Painful leg ulcers
- Skin infections
- Blood clots (including DVT, which can be life-threatening if it travels to your lungs)
That’s why early treatment at a trusted California vein clinic is so important.
How is chronic venous insufficiency treated?
Today’s vein treatments are fast, safe, and performed right in the office. You don’t need surgery or downtime. At California Vein Clinics, we offer the latest minimally invasive procedures, often covered by insurance.
Common treatments for CVI include:
- Sclerotherapy: injections to seal small veins
- Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA): heat used to close damaged veins
- Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA): laser energy seals the vein from inside
- VenaSeal™: medical adhesive closes the vein without heat
- ClariVein®: non-thermal option using a rotating catheter
- Varithena®: foam injected into large varicose veins
Most patients walk out of the clinic the same day and feel relief soon after.
When should you see a vein specialist in California?
If you live in California and you’ve noticed leg swelling, aching, heaviness, or visible veins, it’s time to see a vein doctor. The earlier you’re diagnosed, the easier it is to treat.
We offer painless vein scans, expert care, and convenient locations across California, including: Huntington Beach, Irvine, Murrieta, National City, Newport Beach, Palo Alto, Poway, San Diego, San José, and Temecula.
