In a recent announcement, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt revealed that President Trump has been diagnosed with a benign condition known as chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). This diagnosis came after he reported experiencing swelling in his legs. According to respected medical institutions such as Johns Hopkins and the Cleveland Clinic, chronic venous insufficiency occurs when the veins in the legs struggle to effectively return blood to the heart.
Following the president's observation of mild swelling, Leavitt stated that he underwent a comprehensive health examination. This evaluation was conducted to rule out more serious conditions, including deep vein thrombosis and arterial disease. The examination confirmed that the president remains in excellent overall health, as stated by his physician.
Photos taken during the Club World Cup soccer final in New Jersey over the weekend showed President Trump with noticeably swollen ankles, which sparked public concern regarding his health. During a White House briefing, Leavitt read a note from the president's physician, explaining that the swelling was a point of concern that warranted a thorough evaluation by the White House medical unit.
As part of the president's evaluation, several diagnostic tests were performed, including bilateral lower extremity venous Doppler ultrasounds. These tests confirmed the diagnosis of chronic venous insufficiency, a common and benign condition, especially among individuals over the age of 70. At 79 years old, President Trump falls within this age group.
Leavitt detailed that there was no evidence of blood clots or arterial disease in the president's test results. Additional tests, including a complete blood count, comprehensive metabolic panel, and coagulation profile, showed all results were within normal limits. An echocardiogram was also performed and indicated normal cardiac structure and function, with no signs of heart dysfunction, renal impairment, or systemic illness.
During the briefing, Leavitt also addressed concerns regarding minor bruising observed on the president's hand. She explained that this is likely consistent with minor soft tissue irritation, often resulting from frequent handshaking. Additionally, the use of aspirin, which is part of a standard cardiovascular prevention regimen, may contribute to this condition. The White House plans to release the letter detailing the president's health findings.
Chronic venous insufficiency is a prevalent form of venous disease that occurs when leg veins become damaged, impairing their ability to manage blood flow back to the heart effectively. While not typically a serious health threat, chronic venous insufficiency can be painful and may lead to disability, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, venous diseases are quite common, affecting approximately 1 in 20 adults. The condition usually impacts individuals over the age of 50, with the risk increasing as one ages. Factors that may heighten the risk include being overweight, having a family history of the condition, or experiencing previous leg injuries. Other contributing factors encompass lack of exercise, smoking, and high blood pressure in the leg veins, which can be exacerbated by prolonged periods of sitting or standing.
Chronic venous insufficiency can manifest through various symptoms, including discolored reddish-brown skin, leathery or itchy skin, swelling in the legs and ankles, and sensations of aching, tiredness, cramping, or tingling in the legs. Treatment options generally focus on improving blood flow and may include lifestyle changes such as weight loss, regular exercise, elevating the legs, and wearing compression socks. In some cases, medications or minor procedures might be recommended, and surgical options are available for more severe cases.