US President Donald Trump has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, the White House has confirmed.
The president, 79, underwent a medical check-up after noticing “mild swelling” in his lower legs and was found to have the condition – which is common in older adults and causes blood to pool in the veins.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the diagnosis after concerns had been raised over recent photos, which showed bruising on the back of Mr Trump’s hand that had been covered with make-up.
Ms Leavitt said it was unrelated to the vein condition and was instead irritation from the president’s “frequent handshaking” and use of aspirin.
Mr Trump is said to take aspirin to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Mr Trump once described himself as “the healthiest president that’s ever lived”.
The decision to disclose details of his medical check-up was intended to dispel speculation about his health.
It comes as former president Joe Biden was repeatedly criticised by Republicans and opponents over his fitness to lead in light of a number of verbal gaffes towards the end of his term. He has since been diagnosed with prostate cancer.
What is chronic venous insufficiency?
Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) occurs when little valves inside the veins that normally ensure proper blood flow back to the heart gradually lose the ability to work properly.
The valves are especially important in the legs, where gravity works against the upward movement of blood, hence why CVI primarily affects the legs.
In a note released to reporters, White House physician Captain Sean Barbabella said the condition is “benign and common”, particularly in individuals over the age of 70.
Symptoms can include varicose veins, pain, cramps, itching, hyperpigmentation, chronic swelling of the legs and ankles, and leg ulcers.
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, CVI risks include being overweight, a family history of the condition, and previous leg damage or blood clots.
Other causes include standing or sitting for long periods, smoking, and deep vein thrombosis.
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What did Trump’s physician say?
Dr Barbabella said after Mr Trump reported “mild swelling” in his lower legs, the concern was “thoroughly evaluated” by the White House medical unit “out of an abundance of caution”.
In his statement, the physician said the president underwent a “comprehensive examination” that revealed CVI, which he described as a “benign and common condition, particularly in individuals over the age of 70”.
Dr Barbabella noted: “Importantly, there was no evidence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or arterial disease.”
Laboratory testing also showed “normal cardiac structure and function”.
Dr Barbabella said: “No signs of heart failure, renal impairment, or systemic illness were identified.”
The bruising on the back of Mr Trump’s hand was said to be “minor soft tissue irritation from frequent handshaking and the use of aspirin, which is taken as part of a standard cardiovascular prevention regimen”.
In summary, Dr Barbabella stated: “President Trump remains in excellent health.”
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What can Mr Trump do?
Press secretary Ms Leavitt said the condition was not causing the president any discomfort.
“The president remains in excellent health, which I think all of you witness on a daily basis here,” she told reporters on Thursday.
Ms Leavitt would not discuss how Mr Trump was treating the condition and suggested those details would be in the doctor’s letter, which was later released to the public.
However, the letter was the same as what she had read and failed to include any additional details.
Those with CVI are often advised to lose weight, walk for exercise, and elevate their legs periodically.
Wearing custom-made, medical-grade compression stockings can also help to manage the condition.
