Swollen Legs
WASHINGTON: After a medical test prompted by concerns about swelling in his legs, US President Donald Trump was found to have a benign but chronic vein issue, the White House reported Thursday.
Trump is 79 years old and was diagnosed with “chronic venous insufficiency,” according to Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. Blood pooling and swelling result from this disorder, which is caused by weak or damaged veins in the legs that are unable to send blood to the heart effectively. Leavitt stressed that this is a common, non-threatening disease that is particularly frequent in people over 70.
The announcement came amid speculation triggered by recent photographs showing bruising on the president’s hand. Addressing these concerns, Leavitt explained that the bruising was consistent with minor soft tissue irritation, likely resulting from frequent handshakes and the use of aspirin. The aspirin is part of a standard cardiovascular prevention regimen designed to reduce the risk of heart-related complications.
President Trump, who made history as the oldest person to assume the presidency during his inauguration in January, succeeding Democrat Joe Biden who stepped down at the age of 81, underwent a thorough medical evaluation. This included comprehensive diagnostic vascular studies and bilateral lower extremity venous Doppler ultrasounds. These tests confirmed the diagnosis of chronic venous insufficiency.
Importantly, the medical assessment ruled out more serious vascular conditions. There was no evidence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a potentially dangerous blood clot condition, nor was there any sign of arterial disease. Furthermore, all of President Trump’s test results were reported to be within normal limits.
Leavitt further highlighted that the president’s cardiac structure and function appeared normal, with no indications of heart failure, kidney impairment, or any systemic illness. The hand bruising, she noted, was unrelated to any serious health issue and attributed to the aspirin therapy and frequent social interactions.
The White House’s detailed health update aims to reassure the public regarding the president’s overall health status, clarifying that despite his age and the recent swelling, President Trump remains in stable condition with no alarming medical concerns at present.
