On Wednesday in Washington, D.C., U.S. President Donald Trump spoke at the White House. Later, his press secretary shared that medical tests confirmed Trump has chronic venous insufficiency, a condition affecting blood flow in the legs. AP Photo
Former President Donald Trump, 79, has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency. The condition affects how blood flows from the legs back to the heart. This news came after Trump noticed swelling in his lower legs and bruising on his hand in recent weeks.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt shared the update on Thursday. She said the swelling and bruising had raised concern, leading to a full medical check-up.
Doctor Confirms It’s a Common, Mild Condition
Dr. Sean P. Barbabella, the president’s doctor, confirmed the diagnosis after conducting a full health evaluation. He said, “The condition is benign and common in people over 70.” He also added that Trump’s case was mild and not serious.
Chronic venous insufficiency affects many adults in the U.S., especially older adults. Doctors say 10 to 35 percent of Americans may develop it.
What Causes This Condition?
Dr. Prakash Krishnan, an expert in heart and vein health, explained that the condition mainly affects the legs. Veins there must push blood up to the heart. They use small valves and muscles to help this process. If someone stands for too long or has other risk factors, blood can collect in the veins. This causes the veins to stretch and the valves to weaken.
When this happens, people may notice swelling, pain, or varicose veins. In rare cases, some develop painful sores on their legs that heal slowly.
Other risk factors include obesity, pregnancy, smoking, and standing for long hours at work.
How Doctors Treat It
Doctors usually begin treatment with simple steps. They recommend wearing compression stockings, which help push blood upward. They also advise people to raise their legs three times a day for 30 minutes each time. Losing weight or doing light leg exercises also helps improve blood flow.
If these steps don’t work, doctors may use special treatments. One method is sclerotherapy. It involves injecting a chemical into the weak vein to close it. Another option uses heat or laser to seal the vein shut. The body then sends blood through other healthy veins.
Bruising on His Hand Also Explained
Trump also had some visible bruises on one of his hands. Dr. Barbabella said this was due to repeated handshakes and the use of aspirin. Trump takes aspirin regularly to support his heart health, and aspirin can cause easier bruising.
Trump’s Overall Health Remains Strong
Trump also underwent several other medical tests as part of the check-up. These included blood tests and an echocardiogram. The results all came back normal. His heart, kidneys, and other organs are working well.
“President Trump remains in excellent health,” Dr. Barbabella wrote in his final note.
