U.S. President Donald Trump has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), a condition that affects blood flow in the legs, following public concern over visible swelling in his ankles and a large bruise on his right hand.
The White House confirmed the diagnosis on Wednesday, describing it as a benign and manageable condition, particularly common among older adults. Officials stated that Trump, 79, remains in excellent overall health and continues to carry out his duties without limitations.
The concern first arose when images of Trump at recent public events, including the FIFA Club World Cup final in Florida, showed noticeable swelling in his lower legs and a bruise on the back of his right hand. These prompted questions and speculation about his health.
According to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, Trump had recently observed mild swelling in his ankles. In response, the White House Medical Unit conducted a comprehensive vascular assessment using Doppler ultrasound imaging.
The tests revealed that Trump has chronic venous insufficiency—a condition in which leg veins have difficulty sending blood back to the heart. This leads to pooling of blood in the legs and can cause swelling, discomfort, or skin discoloration. However, the medical team confirmed that Trump does not have more serious conditions such as deep vein thrombosis, arterial disease, heart failure, or kidney problems.
A follow-up echocardiogram found that Trump’s heart function is normal. The large bruise on his hand, which also drew public attention, was attributed to minor soft-tissue irritation from frequent handshaking combined with the effects of a daily aspirin regimen.
Leavitt emphasized that CVI is a common age-related issue and poses no serious threat to Trump’s health or longevity. She said that while the condition may require ongoing management—such as wearing compression stockings, leg elevation, and regular physical activity—it does not interfere with his ability to function normally or campaign ahead of the upcoming election.
Medical experts note that CVI affects millions of older adults globally and is not typically a cause for concern unless left untreated. With regular care, most individuals live full, active lives despite the condition.
The diagnosis marks one of the rare occasions the White House has released detailed information about Trump’s health status. The announcement was aimed at quelling speculation and reassuring the public that there is no cause for alarm.
Reuters
