Washington: US President Donald Trump has been diagnosed with a chronic but benign vein condition after seeking medical examination for swollen legs, the White House said Thursday.
The presidential physician found Trump, 79, has “chronic venous insufficiency” – a condition where damaged leg veins fail to keep blood flowing properly – Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters, calling it a “benign and common condition.”
What sparked the health concerns?
Speculation about the president’s health spread after photos surfaced showing Trump’s swollen ankles at the FIFA Club World Cup final in New Jersey. Additional images showed bruising on his right hand during a meeting with Bahrain’s prime minister.
In response, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that Trump had “noted mild swelling in his lower legs” in recent weeks and underwent a “comprehensive examination” by the White House Medical Unit.
What did the tests show?
According to Trump’s physician, Capt. Sean Barbabella, bilateral lower extremity venous Doppler ultrasounds revealed the president has chronic venous insufficiency (ICD-9)—a condition where weakened vein valves struggle to return blood from the legs back to the heart.
“It’s a benign and common condition, especially in individuals over 70,” Leavitt said, reading from Barbabella’s note.
Importantly, she added, there was no evidence of deep vein thrombosis or arterial disease. Trump’s lab results and an echocardiogram were also “within normal limits,” showing no signs of heart failure, kidney dysfunction, or systemic illness.
What is chronic venous insufficiency?
According to medical experts at Cleveland Clinic and Johns Hopkins, this condition causes blood to pool in the leg veins due to damaged or weakened valves. It affects around 150,000 people in the US annually, with risk increasing with age.
Common symptoms include: Swelling in the legs or ankles, Cramping or aching, Varicose veins, and Skin discoloration or changes
Treatment can involve lifestyle changes, medications, or minimally invasive procedures in more advanced cases.
What about the bruising on Trump’s hand?
Leavitt also addressed speculation about bruising seen on the back of Trump’s right hand. She attributed it to frequent handshaking and aspirin use, which Trump takes as part of a “standard cardiovascular prevention regimen.”
“This is a well-known and benign side effect of aspirin therapy,” she explained.
