Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI): Causes, symptoms, risks & effective management strategies

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has been diagnosed with Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) after visiting doctors due to noticeable swelling in his legs. While his physician confirmed there's no sign of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or heart-related complications, the diagnosis has sparked public interest in this under-discussed circulatory condition.

What is Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI)?
Chronic Venous Insufficiency is a condition where the veins in your legs struggle to send blood back up to the heart. The issue lies with the vein valves, which act like one-way doors to prevent blood from flowing backward. When these valves become weak or damaged, blood begins to pool in the legs, leading to swelling, pain, and heaviness.

Common causes of CVI
1. Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
DVT occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, usually in the leg. This can severely damage the vein valves, leading to improper blood flow. If you've had DVT in the past, your risk of developing CVI is significantly higher.

2. Varicose Veins
Often seen as a cosmetic concern, varicose veins are a major warning sign of underlying venous issues. These twisted, enlarged veins result from weakened valves and can eventually lead to CVI if left untreated.

3. Congenital Valve Defects
Some individuals are born with faulty vein valves, which means CVI can appear at a younger age. Even without other risk factors, blood may begin to pool in the legs due to naturally ineffective circulation.

4. Prolonged sitting or standing
Long hours at a desk or on your feet can negatively impact your circulation. When your leg muscles aren’t moving, they can't assist the veins in pushing blood back to the heart, which increases pressure and risks valve damage.

5. Obesity
Excess weight puts constant pressure on leg veins, making it more difficult for blood to flow properly. Over time, this pressure weakens valves and causes pooling—often a precursor to CVI.

6. Ageing
As we age, vein walls and valves naturally lose strength and elasticity. This makes it harder for veins to resist gravity and effectively return blood to the heart, making CVI more common in individuals over 50.

7. Leg injuries or surgeries
Trauma or surgical procedures can directly damage veins or reduce mobility, both of which increase the risk of CVI. Immobility after surgery is especially risky for clot formation and blood pooling.

Is CVI dangerous?
CVI isn't life-threatening, but it’s far from harmless. If left untreated, the condition can worsen, leading to more severe symptoms and complications like venous ulcers—painful, slow-healing sores that can become infected and severely affect mobility and quality of life.

Can CVI be treated?
Absolutely. While CVI is chronic, its progression can be slowed and symptoms improved with consistent care. Here’s how:

• Compression stockings: These medically designed socks improve circulation by applying gentle pressure to the legs, helping blood move upward.
• Leg elevation: Propping your legs above heart level helps reduce swelling and ease vein pressure.
• Exercise: Physical activity, especially walking, activates the calf muscles which assist veins in blood flow.
• Lifestyle changes: Maintaining a healthy weight, staying hydrated, eating well, and avoiding long stretches of sitting or standing can significantly ease symptoms.
• Medical monitoring: Regular checkups ensure that any worsening of the condition or complications like ulcers are caught early.