During a recent medical evaluation, US President Donald Trump was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, the White House said Thursday, July 17, according to Reuters.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters at a briefing that Trump underwent the evaluation after noticing mild swelling in his lower legs. The announcement came after photos surfaced showing Trump with swollen ankles and a bruise on his hand.
Leavitt stressed that the swelling was caused by “a common venous condition” and that the bruise resulted from “frequent handshakes.” She added that Trump is not experiencing any discomfort.
The statement was issued to quell rumors about the 79-year-old US president’s health.
Following the briefing, the White House released a report from Trump’s physician, Dr. Sean Barbabella, who confirmed that Trump had undergone several tests related to the condition.
According to Barbabella, chronic venous insufficiency is common in people over 70. There is no evidence of deep vein thrombosis or arterial disease, and additional testing ruled out heart failure, kidney failure, or systemic illnesses.
Barbabella also confirmed the bruise on the back of Trump’s right hand, saying it was “consistent with minor soft tissue irritation from frequent handshakes and the use of aspirin, which he takes as part of standard cardiovascular preventive care.”
“President Trump remains in excellent health,” Barbabella added.
Chronic venous insufficiency occurs when leg veins have difficulty returning blood to the heart, causing blood to pool. According to the Cleveland Clinic, symptoms are often mild at first but can worsen over time and lead to complications.
Dr. Kwame Amankwah, chief of vascular surgery at the University of Connecticut in Hartford, said the condition primarily affects the lower extremities.
“Even without underlying heart disease, it requires monitoring. If left untreated with compression stockings and leg elevation, significant swelling and ulcers may develop, requiring more serious medical intervention,” Amankwah noted.
Dr. Todd Berland of NYU Langone Health emphasized that chronic venous insufficiency does not affect overall life expectancy.
The risk of the condition increases with age, The New York Times reports. Symptoms can include swelling, varicose veins, pain, discomfort, and, in rare cases, slow-healing ulcers, said Dr. Prakash Krishnan of Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital in New York. People who stand for long periods at work are at higher risk, he added.
Veins, especially in the legs, must push blood “against gravity” back to the heart. Valves and muscles assist in this process, but prolonged standing can cause blood to pool, stretching vein walls and valves, leading to venous insufficiency.
Doctors typically begin treatment with compression stockings. If symptoms persist, more intensive medical procedures may be necessary.
