Trump Diagnosed with Chronic Venous Insufficiency, White House Confirms

The White House announced that President Trump has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency after experiencing leg swelling and bruising on his hands. Despite speculation about his health, medical evaluations indicate that he remains in excellent health overall and shows no signs of serious conditions.

Donald Trump, the 79-year-old U.S. president, has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, which was confirmed by the White House on Thursday. This condition, common among individuals over 70, occurs when leg veins struggle to correctly pump blood back to the heart, leading to swelling and pooling in the lower limbs.

Details emerged following concerns about visible bruising on Trump's hands and swelling in his legs, which intensified public curiosity. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that the bruising was likely due to tissue damage caused by frequent handshakes combined with aspirin use—a standard part of Trump's cardiovascular health regimen.

Dr. Meryl Logan, a vascular surgery expert, explained that chronic venous insufficiency is characterized by valves and veins failing to effectively transport blood against gravity, which can lead to problems such as swelling in the lower extremities. However, Leavitt reassured the public that there were no indications of deep vein thrombosis or any arterial diseases, portraying Trump's medical examinations as yielding "normal limits."

White House physician Sean Barbabella underscored the benign nature of Trump's condition, clarifying that the president is in "excellent health" despite being the oldest individual to assume the presidency. Trump's health and physical capabilities have been consistently affirmed by the physician, dating back to an annual physical examination conducted in April.

Photographic evidence showing Trump's swollen legs at public events, including a recent soccer tournament, raised online speculation about his health status. Although some online narratives suggested the presence of unpublicized illness, medical professionals affirmed Barbabella's assertions regarding the typicality and benignity of chronic venous insufficiency.

Experts suggest that individuals in the president's age cohort often encounter this condition, with estimates indicating that between 10% to 35% may experience it. Factors such as obesity and prolonged standing can exacerbate the symptoms, but wearing medical-grade compression stockings and elevating the legs at night has been recommended to aid symptom relief.

The bruising observed on Trump's hands stemmed from physical interactions, notably during public greeting rituals, and may be exacerbated by his use of aspirin—a known blood thinner that increases susceptibility to bruising, particularly in older adults.

As Trump navigates his potential return to the White House, experts remind the public to consider the unique health challenges faced by older leaders in high-pressure roles.