President Donald Trump’s health has once again come under public scrutiny after the White House confirmed that he was recently evaluated by its medical unit due to swelling in his legs. The update follows growing speculation after recent photographs showed noticeable swelling around his ankles and visible bruises on his hands, reigniting concerns about the 79-year-old’s condition.
“In recent weeks, President Trump noted mild swelling in his lower legs. In keeping with routine medical care and out of an abundance of caution, this concern was thoroughly evaluated by the White House medical unit,”
— White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said at Thursday’s briefing, quoting a note from the president’s physician.
As part of the medical assessment, President Trump underwent a bilateral lower extremity venous Doppler ultrasound, which examines blood flow in the legs. Additional tests included a total blood count and an echocardiogram.
According to Leavitt, the echocardiogram confirmed “normal cardiac structure and function,” effectively ruling out any major heart issues, as first reported by The Daily Beast.
Diagnosed with Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI)
Leavitt explained that following a comprehensive evaluation, doctors diagnosed President Trump with Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) — a condition she described as “benign and common.”
“Recent photos of the president have shown minor bruising on the back of his hand. This is consistent with minor soft tissue irritation from frequent handshaking and the use of aspirin, which is taken as part of a standard cardiovascular prevention regime,”
— Leavitt added, addressing the visible bruises.
What is Chronic Venous Insufficiency?
According to the Cleveland Clinic, Chronic Venous Insufficiency occurs when leg veins are damaged and struggle to maintain blood flow back to the heart. While early symptoms may be mild, untreated CVI can lead to discomfort, skin changes, and even serious complications over time.
Despite the condition being described as non-life-threatening, health experts caution that it should be carefully managed, especially for someone of Trump’s age and public activity level.
The confirmation of Trump’s diagnosis comes at a politically charged time, as the former president remains a central figure in U.S. politics. While the White House insists his condition is under control, public and media interest in his physical fitness is expected to persist as the 2024 election season approaches.