ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) - In light of President Donald Trump’s recent diagnosis, WALB has sought out an expert to learn more about Chronic Venous Insufficiency, a condition that affects millions of Americans.

After it was announced that Trump was experiencing a condition called Chronic Venous Insufficiency, conversations began circulating about what this diagnosis means for the president and if it would prohibit him from doing his job. Dr. Price Corr, a local vein specialist and general surgeon at Albany Surgical, wants to clear up some common misconceptions.

“It’s almost like having gray hair, it’s really not a big deal. It’s more common in people 35 years and older. It has a hereditary factor, so if someone in your family has varicose veins or Chronic Venous Insufficiency, there’s a chance you could have Chronic Venous Insufficiency,” said Dr. Corr.

What is Chronic Venous Insufficiency?

According to the Cleveland Clinic, Chronic Venous Insufficiency, also known as CVI, is a form of venous disease that occurs when veins in one’s legs are damaged. As a result of CVI, the veins are not able to manage blood flow as well as they should, making it more difficult for blood in the legs to return to the heart. CVI causes blood to pool in the leg veins, leading to high pressure in those veins.

How common is Chronic Venous Insufficiency?

CVI affects about 1 in 20 adults, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Society for Vascular Surgery reports that the chronic condition may affect up to 40% of the U.S. population.

Symptoms of Chronic Venous Insufficiency

• Achy or tired legs
• “Pins and needles” sensation in the legs
• Leg cramps at night
• Discolored skin with a reddish-brown color
• Swelling in the lower legs or ankles
• Flaky or itchy skin on legs or feet
• Heavy feeling legs
• Ulcers on lower legs or ankles
• Varicose veins

Causes of Chronic Venous Insufficiency

• Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is the most common cause of CVI, and it is when a blood clot damages the valve in the leg vein.
• Other causes of valve malfunction may be either congenital, primary, or secondary.
  • Congenital causes are malformations in the leg veins that someone is born with.
  • Primary causes are any changes in the leg veins that prevent them from working as they should.
  • Secondary causes are other medical issues that damage your leg veins, like DVT.

Risks factors of Chronic Venous Insufficiency

• History of DVT
• Varicose veins or a family history of varicose veins
• Obesity
• Pregnancy
• Not getting enough physical activity
• Smoking and tobacco use
• Sitting or standing for long periods of time
• Sleeping in a chair or recliner
• May-Thurner syndrome
• Being female
• Being over age 50

Treatment options for Chronic Venous Insufficiency

Treatment options for Chronic Venous Insufficiency include:

• Lifestyle changes like:
  • Leg elevation
  • Exercise
  • Weight management
• Compression therapy
• Medications like:
  • Antibiotics to clear infections or ulcers caused by CVI.
  • Anticoagulants, or “blood thinners”, to treat or prevent future blood clots.
  • Medicated wrap, also known as an Unna Boot, that combines compression with a zinc oxide gel-based wound cover.
• Nonsurgical treatments include:
  • Sclerotherapy, a treatment where your provider injects a foam or liquid solution into the varicose vein causing it to collapse or disappear.
  • Endovenous thermal ablation, a technique that targets large veins using a laser or high-frequency radio waves to create intense heat. This heat closes up the diseased vein but leaves it in place so there’s minimal bleeding or bruising.
• According to the Cleveland Clinic, surgical treatments include:
  • Ligation and stripping: These two procedures are often performed together. For vein ligation, your provider cuts and ties off the problem veins. Stripping is the surgical removal of larger veins through two small incisions.
  • Microincision/ambulatory phlebectomy: This is a minimally invasive procedure. It targets varicose veins near your skin’s surface. Your provider makes small incisions or needle punctures over your veins. Then, they use a phlebectomy hook to remove the problem veins.
  • Subfascial Endoscopic Perforator Surgery (SEPS): This is a minimally invasive procedure. It targets your perforating veins above your ankle. Your provider uses a clip to block off damaged veins so blood doesn’t flow through them. SEPS helps ulcers heal and also helps prevent them from coming back.
  • Vein bypass: This is similar to heart bypass surgery, just in a different location. Your provider takes part of a healthy vein from somewhere else in your body and uses it to reroute blood around your damaged vein. Providers only use this method in severe cases when no other treatment is effective.

While CVI often isn’t life-threatening, it is a progressive disease that can cause severe discomfort, pain and reduced quality of life if left untreated.

Dr. Corr says, “It’s not something that needs to be left alone.”

According to Dr. Corr, this diagnosis should not affect President Trump’s lifespan, nor should it prohibit him from completing his presidential duties. However, if you are experiencing symptoms of CVI, you should reach out to your local provider and get it checked out.

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