US President Donald Trump has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, a vein condition common in older adults, according to a statement released Thursday by the White House. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt disclosed that Trump, 79, sought medical evaluation after noticing swelling in his legs a typical symptom of the condition.
White House physician Captain Sean Barbabella confirmed the diagnosis, describing it as “benign and common,” particularly in individuals over the age of 70. Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) occurs when leg veins fail to efficiently return blood to the heart, causing it to pool in the lower limbs. The condition is often linked to aging, as weakening valves in the veins struggle to push blood upward against gravity.
Dr. Matthew Edwards, chair of Vascular Surgery at Wake Forest University, emphasized that CVI is widespread among older adults and typically not serious. “It can be associated with serious conditions, but in and of itself, it is not a serious condition,” Edwards told the BBC. “Between 10 to 35% of people in his age group may have this.”
Dr. Barbabella’s memo noted that Trump underwent a comprehensive examination that found no evidence of more serious vascular issues such as deep vein thrombosis or arterial disease. Trump’s heart function, kidney health, and overall systemic condition were also reported as normal.
Recent photos showing discoloration on the back of Trump’s hand raised questions, but the White House clarified the bruising is unrelated to CVI. It was attributed to minor soft tissue irritation caused by frequent handshaking and the use of aspirin, which Trump takes as part of a preventive cardiovascular regimen.
To manage CVI, experts recommend compression stockings, leg elevation, and proper skin care. If left unmanaged, the condition can cause leg pain, cramps, heaviness, and in more severe cases, ulcers.
Trump has long touted his health, once calling himself “the healthiest president that’s ever lived.” Despite the new diagnosis, his doctor reaffirmed that he remains in “excellent health,” with no signs of heart failure or systemic illness.
