Latest news with #SeanBarbabella
Russia Today
4 days ago
- Health
- Russia Today
White House explains Trump's swollen ankles and bruised hand
The White House has released a memo from President Donald Trump's physician explaining recent visible changes in his limbs, which some observers had taken as indicators of a serious health condition. In a memo issued Thursday, Dr. Sean P. Barbabella said Trump has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, a condition he described as 'benign' and common among people over the age of 70. Trump, 79, was recently seen with swelling in his legs, which Dr. Barbabella attributed to the condition. Chronic venous insufficiency is typically age-related and involves malfunctioning of one-way valves in the veins, which are responsible for returning blood to the heart. The legs are often affected because the veins there must work harder against gravity. People who spend extended periods standing are more susceptible to the disorder. According to the statement, no signs of more serious vascular conditions – such as deep vein thrombosis – were found. Barbabella also explained that recurring bruising on the back of Trump's right hand was the result of 'soft tissue irritation from frequent handshaking' and preventive aspirin use. Swollen ankles at the World CupBruised hand at today's press availability. Is the Trump administration hiding the President's health? Where is @jaketapper? While swelling in Trump's ankles gained attention last week, the bruises on his hand have been visible since at least October, fueling speculation that he was undergoing intravenous treatment. Trump and his staff have repeatedly said the marks are due to vigorous handshaking. Many senior US officials are of advanced age. Critics argue that the country's political system favors seniority and has effectively turned into a gerontocracy. President Joe Biden's age became a major campaign issue during last year's presidential election. His aides were accused of hiding signs of cognitive decline to keep him in the race. Biden dropped out of the campaign less than four months before Election Day after a disastrous debate performance against Trump.
Irish Times
4 days ago
- Health
- Irish Times
What is chronic venous insufficiency? Donald Trump diagnosed with condition
Donald Trump was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, the White House said on Thursday, after he noticed swelling in his legs. The White House released a memo from the president's physician, Sean Barbabella, who said a medical examination revealed no evidence of a more serious condition such as deep vein thrombosis. '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 is a fairly common condition among older adults, but requires a thorough check-up to rule out more serious causes of swelling in the legs. Here are some things to know. READ MORE Chronic venous insufficiency, or CVI, happens when veins in the legs cannot properly carry blood back to the heart. That can lead to blood pooling in the lower legs. In addition to swelling, usually around the feet and ankles, symptoms can include legs that are achy, heavy-feeling or tingly, and varicose veins. Severe cases could trigger leg sores known as ulcers. Overcoming gravity to pump blood from the feet all the way up to the heart is a challenge, especially when someone is standing or sitting for long periods. So legs veins are lined with one-way valves that keep blood from sliding backward on that journey. Anything that damages those valves can lead to chronic venous insufficiency. Risk factors can include blood clots, vein inflammation known as phlebitis or being overweight. Doctors must rule out serious causes of leg swelling, such as heart problems, kidney disease or blood clots. Ultrasound exams of the leg veins can help confirm chronic venous insufficiency. According to the Cleveland Clinic, treatment can include wearing compression stockings, elevating the legs and achieving a healthy weight. Also exercise, especially walking, is recommended – because strong leg muscles can squeeze veins in a way that helps them pump blood. Medications and medical procedures are available for more advanced cases.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
What is chronic venous insufficiency, the condition Trump was diagnosed with?
Donald Trump was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, the White House said on Thursday, after he noticed swelling in his legs. The White House released a memo from the president's physician, Sean Barbabella, who said a medical exam revealed no evidence of a more serious condition like deep vein thrombosis. '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 is a fairly common condition among older adults, but requires a thorough checkup to rule out more serious causes of swelling in the legs. Here are some things to know. Chronic venous insufficiency, or CVI, happens when veins in the legs cannot properly carry blood back to the heart. That can lead to blood pooling in the lower legs. In addition to swelling, usually around the feet and ankles, symptoms can include legs that are achy, heavy-feeling or tingly, and varicose veins. Severe cases could trigger leg sores known as ulcers. Overcoming gravity to pump blood from the feet all the way up to the heart is a challenge, especially when someone is standing or sitting for long periods. So legs veins are lined with one-way valves that keep blood from sliding backward on that journey. Anything that damages those valves can lead to chronic venous insufficiency. Risk factors can include blood clots, vein inflammation known as phlebitis or being overweight. Doctors must rule out serious causes of leg swelling, such as heart problems, kidney disease or blood clots. Ultrasound exams of the leg veins can help confirm chronic venous insufficiency. According to the Cleveland Clinic, treatment can include wearing compression stockings, elevating the legs and achieving a healthy weight. Also exercise, especially walking, is recommended – because strong leg muscles can squeeze veins in a way that helps them pump blood. Medications and medical procedures are available for more advanced cases. Solve the daily Crossword
Al Jazeera
4 days ago
- Health
- Al Jazeera
What is chronic venous insufficiency; how serious is Trump's condition?
United States President Donald Trump has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) after undergoing evaluation for lower leg swelling and hand bruising, the White House has announced. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Thursday that the diagnosis was made after the president experienced mild discomfort in his legs over several weeks. In a publicly released letter, President Trump's physician, Dr Sean Barbabella, confirmed there was no evidence of deep vein thrombosis or arterial disease. All of Trump's lab results were within normal limits. 'An echocardiogram was also performed, and confirmed normal cardiac structure and function,' the letter added. But what is chronic venous insufficiency, and how risky is it? Here is what we know: What is chronic venous insufficiency? CVI is a type of vein disorder that develops when the veins in the legs become damaged, Cleveland Clinic explains. Veins have valves that help blood move up towards the heart. When these valves are damaged, they don't close properly, and blood can flow backwards. This is called venous reflux. This can lead to blood pooling in the lower legs. Along with swelling – most often around the feet and ankles – symptoms may include aching legs, a heavy or tingling sensation, and the appearance of varicose veins. According to Cleveland Clinic, the disease affects about one in three adults, while CVI affects people over age 50. The risk rises with age. What are other common symptoms? According to the American Heart Association, some symptoms include leg swelling, as the president has experienced, but also skin irritation. The skin issues typically show up as red, itchy or flaky patches on the lower legs, caused by poor blood flow and sometimes leading to ulcers. Additional symptoms may include pain, itching, bleeding, a heavy or tired feeling in the legs, cramping, throbbing and restlessness. Trump also had bruising on his hand, according to the White House. Dr Barbabella attributed that to 'minor soft tissue irritation from frequent handshaking and the use of aspirin, which is taken as part of a standard cardiovascular prevention regime', the White House release stated. How serious is CVI? The condition is generally mild but can worsen over time. 'Chronic Venous Insufficiency can significantly impact your quality of life, but early detection and treatment can make a substantial difference,' the chair of the American Heart Association's Vascular Health Advisory Committee and Scientific Council on Peripheral Vascular Disease, Joshua A Beckman, said. While the condition itself is usually not serious, it can be associated with more dangerous complications, such as deep vein thrombosis (a blood clot in a deep vein) or pulmonary embolism (a clot that blocks blood flow to the lungs). Dr Barbabella, the president's physician, described Trump's case as 'a benign and common condition, particularly in individuals over 70'. He confirmed that Trump, 79, showed no signs of those more serious complications. What is the treatment for CVI? Doctors typically begin treatment with compression therapy, which helps reduce leg swelling and discomfort. Compression stockings are often prescribed and may be worn long-term, as they support vein function by promoting blood flow back to the heart. In addition, doctors may recommend weight loss or resistance exercises to improve circulation. If symptoms – such as leg pain, skin sores or thickened, hardened skin – persist, more invasive treatments may be necessary. These include thermal therapies like laser treatment, which seal off damaged veins, and sclerotherapy, whereby a chemical is injected to collapse affected veins. After treatment, the body naturally redirects blood flow through healthier veins.
Irish Examiner
4 days ago
- Health
- Irish Examiner
What is chronic venous insufficiency? Details of Donald Trump's diagnosis
Donald Trump was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, the White House said on Thursday, after he noticed swelling in his legs. The White House released a memo from the president's physician, Sean Barbabella, who said a medical exam revealed no evidence of a more serious condition like deep vein thrombosis. '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 is a fairly common condition among older adults, but requires a thorough checkup to rule out more serious causes of swelling in the legs. Here are some things to know. Donald Trump in the White House on Wednesday. Picture: AP Photo/Alex Brandon Chronic venous insufficiency, or CVI, happens when veins in the legs cannot properly carry blood back to the heart. That can lead to blood pooling in the lower legs. In addition to swelling, usually around the feet and ankles, symptoms can include legs that are achy, heavy-feeling or tingly, and varicose veins. Severe cases could trigger leg sores known as ulcers. Overcoming gravity to pump blood from the feet all the way up to the heart is a challenge, especially when someone is standing or sitting for long periods. So legs veins are lined with one-way valves that keep blood from sliding backward on that journey. Anything that damages those valves can lead to chronic venous insufficiency. Risk factors can include blood clots, vein inflammation known as phlebitis or being overweight. Doctors must rule out serious causes of leg swelling, such as heart problems, kidney disease or blood clots. Ultrasound exams of the leg veins can help confirm chronic venous insufficiency. According to the Cleveland Clinic, treatment can include wearing compression stockings, elevating the legs and achieving a healthy weight. Also exercise, especially walking, is recommended – because strong leg muscles can squeeze veins in a way that helps them pump blood. Medications and medical procedures are available for more advanced cases. The Guardian
