President Donald Trump’s leg swelling has been attributed to a common vein condition, according to a note from the White House physician Capt. Sean Barbabella.

The president underwent medical tests and an ultrasound to examine swelling in his legs and was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters during a July 17 briefing.

Leavitt said there was "no evidence" of more serious conditions such as deep vein thrombosis (a blood clot in the leg or arm in a deep vein) or arterial disease. Additional exams identified "no signs of heart failure, renal impairment or systemic illness," Leavitt said.

Chronic venous insufficiency is the most common vascular disease in the United States, according to Dr. Sean Stewart, regional medical director at the Center for Vein Restoration.

"For most people, this is not life-threatening," he said. "For most people it’s genetic and it’s not a reflection of overall body health."

What is chronic venous insufficiency?

Chronic venous insufficiency, or CVI, occurs when the leg veins become damaged and don’t work as they should.

“The veins in our legs have one job,” Stewart said. They work against gravity to push used blood out of the legs through muscle contractions.

When these veins don’t work, typically due to damaged valves, it can cause blood to pool in the legs and lead to symptoms like swelling and ulcers.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, other symptoms also include achy or tired legs; burning, tingling or “pins and needles” sensation in your legs; cramping in your legs; discolored skin that looks reddish-brown; swelling in your lower legs and ankles (especially after standing a while or at the end of the day); flaking or itching skin on your legs or feet; full or heavy feeling in your legs; leathery-looking skin on your legs; ulcers; and varicose veins.

What causes chronic venous insufficiency?

Most cases of CVI are due to genetics, Stewart said, but certain risk factors can increase a person’s chance of developing the condition.

These risk factors include a history of deep vein thrombosis, varicose veins or a family history of varicose veins, obesity, smoking and tobacco use and sitting or standing for long periods, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

Women are more likely to develop venous insufficiency because pregnancy is another risk factor, Stewart said. The chances of developing the condition also increase with age. Trump celebrated his 79th birthday on June 14.

Can you treat or prevent venous insufficiency?

Damaged veins cannot be repaired, Stewart said, but certain treatments can alleviate symptoms in patients.

Patients can undergo vein closures, which is when doctors close the veins that aren’t working. These veins can be closed with glue, heat lasers or by injecting medicine, Stewart said. Performing vein closures is done by ultrasound guidance, so it doesn’t require opening up the leg or putting the patient under anesthesia.

Although most cases of CVI are attributed to genetics, Stewart said patients can reduce their chances of developing the condition by avoiding prolonged sitting, wearing compression socks and following a generally healthy lifestyle.

White House physician Barbabella's memo did not discuss whether Trump is receiving any medical treatment to address the vein condition.

Contributing: Joey Garrison

Adrianna Rodriguez can be reached at adrodriguez@usatoday.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: President Trump's health and chronic venous insufficiency, explained

Reporting by Adrianna Rodriguez, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect