President Donald Trump has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, a common condition observed particularly in older adults. While the diagnosis emerged from reports of leg swelling, medical assessments indicate that he remains in excellent health without any serious underlying conditions.
Trump Diagnosed with Chronic Venous Insufficiency: What It Means for His Health
Trump Diagnosed with Chronic Venous Insufficiency: What It Means for His Health
The White House confirms President Trump's diagnosis of chronic venous insufficiency following reports of swelling in his legs, with medical experts weighing in on the implications for his health.
On Thursday, the White House made public President Donald Trump's diagnosis of chronic venous insufficiency, a condition that affects blood circulation in the legs. At a regular briefing, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt disclosed that Trump, who is 79 years old, noticed swelling in his legs which led to a medical evaluation. Recent photographs showing patches of makeup on his hand have been attributed to bruising from frequent handshakes rather than the vein condition, according to White House sources.
Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) occurs when the veins in the legs cannot effectively return blood to the heart, causing fluid retention in the lower limbs, a concern particularly common in individuals over 70. White House physician Dr. Sean Barbabella described CVI as "benign and common," with occurrence rates in his age group estimated between 10% and 35%. Factors contributing to CVI include obesity, past blood clots, and prolonged periods of standing.
In light of the swelling, President Trump underwent a thorough examination, which revealed the CVI diagnosis but no signs of deep vein thrombosis or arterial disease. Barbabella confirmed the president's cardiac and renal functions to be normal, downplaying the severity of the condition. Bruising observed on the president's hand has been linked to minor soft tissue irritation, possibly exacerbated by the use of aspirin for cardiovascular health.
While chronic venous insufficiency can lead to discomfort, including heaviness, swelling, and even cramps, the recommended management includes wearing compression stockings and elevating the legs. Following this diagnosis, experts reinforced that while undesirable, CVI in itself does not present serious health risks.
Having previously undergone a health assessment in April, which indicated robust physical condition, Trump has consistently described himself as healthy, calling into question the impact of age-related conditions on his overall health status. As the country resumes discussions regarding his health, Trump maintains a public demeanor asserting his good well-being, branding himself as "the healthiest president that's ever lived."
