US President Donald Trump, aged 79, has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency following recent complaints of leg swelling, the White House announced on Thursday.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, reading from a memo by Capt. Sean Barbabella, the president’s physician, disclosed that Trump underwent a comprehensive vascular examination conducted by the White House Medical Unit.
According to Barbabella, “Bilateral lower extremity venous Doppler ultrasounds confirmed the presence of chronic venous insufficiency — a benign and common condition, particularly among individuals over the age of 70.”
The diagnosis follows Trump’s report of mild swelling in his lower legs in recent weeks. Importantly, no signs of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or arterial disease were found, and all laboratory tests returned within normal ranges. An echocardiogram also showed no evidence of heart failure, kidney problems, or systemic illness.
Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) occurs when vein valves in the legs fail to function properly, causing blood to pool in the lower limbs. While not life-threatening, CVI can lead to swelling, aching, varicose veins, and, in severe cases, skin changes or discomfort. It commonly affects older adults and those with obesity or limited mobility.
Medical experts say the condition, though benign, warrants monitoring. Dr Jeremy Faust, emergency medicine specialist at Harvard Medical School, told CNN, “It’s a fairly routine finding for someone of Trump’s age and body type. The key is that more serious conditions were ruled out.”
Cardiologist Dr Bernard Ashby noted that while CVI is often benign, it can sometimes signal underlying heart or lung issues. “The real question is what’s causing the venous insufficiency — whether it’s a primary condition or secondary to something else,” he said.
Risk factors such as age, excess weight, sedentary lifestyle, and prolonged standing or sitting can contribute to the condition. Dr Chris Pernell emphasised that though not life-threatening, CVI can become debilitating without proper management.
Leavitt later clarified that Trump is experiencing “no discomfort” and remains in good health.
She also addressed recent images showing bruises on the back of Trump’s hand, attributing them to frequent handshaking and routine aspirin use. Barbabella explained that this was “minor soft tissue irritation” consistent with the president’s cardiovascular prevention regimen.
Barbabella concluded that “President Trump remains in excellent health.”
Trump, who will become the oldest US president in history in his second term, continues to be closely monitored by his medical team.
