U.S. President Donald Trump has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, a common vascular condition in older adults, after undergoing a comprehensive medical examination following noticeable swelling in his legs, the White House announced on Thursday.
The confirmation comes after widespread speculation sparked by recent photographs showing bruising on Trump’s hand. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt explained that the president’s hand bruises were due to frequent handshaking combined with his regular aspirin intake, which is part of a standard cardiovascular prevention routine.
The 79-year-old president, who has often claimed to be in excellent health, underwent vascular testing after the swelling in his legs. Doctors concluded that he has chronic venous insufficiency — a condition where damaged or weakened valves in the veins prevent blood from properly returning to the heart, causing it to pool in the legs, resulting in swelling and discomfort.
According to Dr. Meryl Logan, a vascular surgery expert at the University of Texas at Austin, the condition is caused by veins and valves losing their ability to push blood upward, against gravity. “When these valves don’t function properly, blood flows backwards down the leg,” she said.
White House physician Dr. Sean Barbabella noted in a statement that Trump shows no signs of deep vein thrombosis, arterial disease, heart failure, or organ dysfunction, describing the condition as “benign and common,” especially among individuals over 70.
Photographs taken on July 13 at the FIFA Club World Cup in New Jersey first revealed swelling in Trump’s legs. More photos circulated days later showing discoloration on the back of his hand during a meeting with the Bahraini Prime Minister at the White House. A similar bruise had also been seen months earlier during a diplomatic meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron.
Trump’s most recent physical, conducted in April, had declared him in good cognitive and physical health, with no signs of vascular issues at the time. The new diagnosis has led to further questions, although the White House emphasized that the condition does not pose serious health risks.
Medical experts agree. Dr. Matthew Edwards, Chair of Vascular Surgery at Wake Forest University, told the BBC, “While CVI can be associated with more serious conditions, on its own, it’s quite common and not particularly dangerous.” He added that 10–35% of people over 70 live with the condition.
Risk factors for CVI include obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, standing for long hours, prior blood clots, and genetics. Compression stockings, leg elevation, and vein closure procedures using glue or heat lasers are often used to manage the condition.
Doctors also advise maintaining a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, and moisturizing the legs daily to improve circulation and skin condition. “The goal is to manage symptoms and prevent complications,” said Dr. Logan.
Importantly, the bruises on the president’s hand are unrelated to the vein condition. Dr. Barbabella confirmed they were caused by the combined effect of handshaking and aspirin, which can make people more prone to bruising as they age.
Dr. Edwards agreed with the White House explanation. “It’s common to see easy bruising in older adults, especially those on blood thinners like aspirin,” he noted.
Trump, who turned 79 in June, became the oldest U.S. president ever inaugurated when he took office for his second term in January. The White House says he remains in excellent health and continues to carry out his duties without limitations.
Source: Wesleyannews.com
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