Donald Trump has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, a condition affecting blood flow in the legs, the White House confirmed on Thursday. This news comes amid heightened public interest concerning the president's health after photographs surfaced showing bruising on his hands and swelling in his legs during public outings.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt explained that Trump recently underwent a thorough medical exam, including vascular testing, after experiencing leg swelling. She attributed the bruising on Trump's hand to "tissue damage from frequent handshaking" in conjunction with the prescribed use of aspirin, which he takes as part of a cardiovascular prevention regimen.
Trump, who at 79 years old is the oldest president to have been inaugurated, has consistently promoted his health as noteworthy. The condition of chronic venous insufficiency occurs when leg veins struggle to transport blood back to the heart effectively, leading to blood pooling in the lower limbs and resulting in swelling. Dr. Meryl Logan, an assistant professor of vascular surgery, stated that these veins and valves are essential for proper blood flow against gravity, and when they malfunction, blood can flow backward.
Leavitt reassured that there were no indications of deep vein thrombosis or arterial diseases and that all test results were normal, with Dr. Sean Barbabella, the White House physician, labeling the condition as "benign and common" in individuals over the age of 70. Trump's overall health was marked as "excellent," with no signs of serious underlying health issues found. The information previously gleaned from an annual check-up in April also indicated that Trump shows cognitive and physical vitality.
Concerns about Trump's health had arisen due to a series of images where the president was seen with visibly swollen legs at public events, such as during the FIFA Club World Cup final in July and a recent meeting with Bahraini Prime Minister Salman bin Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. Furthermore, a mentioning of a bruise was noted during a February meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron.
Experts noted that chronic venous insufficiency, while not life-threatening, is common among older adults, with estimates suggesting that between 10% to 35% of people in Trump's age bracket could find themselves with the condition. Key interventions include wearing medical-grade compression stockings and elevating the legs. Additionally, increased susceptibility to bruising is typical with aging and the use of blood-thinning medications like aspirin.
In light of the president's age and vascular health discussions, questions about the suitability of older politicians in leadership roles will likely continue as Trump and others in similar positions navigate public health scrutiny.
