President Donald Trump has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, a reasonably common condition, especially in older adults. The White House confirmed the diagnosis on Thursday after reporters and the public started noticing some visible swelling in Trump’s legs and bruising on his hand during recent appearances.
At 79, Trump is no stranger to the spotlight or health rumors. But according to his doctor, there’s no major cause for alarm.
“This is a routine condition for someone his age,” said Dr. Sean Barbabella, the physician to the president. “It’s manageable and not something that’s expected to interfere with his duties.”
What Exactly Is Chronic Venous Insufficiency?
So, what is chronic venous insufficiency, or CVI? It happens when the veins in the legs stop working as efficiently as they should. Usually, veins have tiny valves that help push blood back toward the heart. However, when those valves weaken or become stretched out, often due to age, the blood can pool in the legs. That’s when you start to see swelling, heaviness, or even varicose veins.
“It’s like your veins are trying to swim upstream, but they’re losing the paddle,” explained Dr. Prakash Krishnan, a vascular specialist at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York.
Other symptoms might include aching, discomfort, or, in rare cases, skin ulcers that take longer to heal. The condition isn’t life-threatening, but it can be annoying and, if untreated, might lead to more complications.
How Did This Come Up?
According to the White House, Trump started noticing mild swelling in his lower legs over the past few weeks. Concerned, he underwent a series of tests.
Dr. Barbabella said the team performed a comprehensive evaluation, including blood work and an echocardiogram—everything else checked out as usual.
“This diagnosis was made early and we’re treating it proactively,” Barbabella said.
What Causes It?
CVI is more common than you might think. Medical experts say between 10% and 35% of adults in the U.S. develop some degree of venous insufficiency as they get older. It’s particularly common in people over 70.
Other risk factors include:
- Prolonged standing or sitting
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Pregnancy (in women)
For Trump, standing for long periods during campaign events and public appearances could have contributed. Veins in the legs have to work harder than usual to send blood back to the heart, fighting against gravity. Over the years, that can take a toll.
How Is It Treated?
Thankfully, treatment for CVI usually starts with simple lifestyle changes. Doctors often recommend:
- Wearing compression stockings helps the veins do their job
- Elevating the legs a few times a day, especially after long periods of standing
- Staying active with low-impact exercises to improve circulation
- Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce pressure on the legs.
In more stubborn cases, doctors might consider minimally invasive procedures, like sclerotherapy, where a solution is injected into the veins to close them off, or laser treatments to seal the faulty veins. But for now, Trump’s medical team says conservative management should be enough.
What About the Bruised Hand?
People also noticed some bruising on Trump’s hand in recent photos. According to Dr. Barbabella, this is due to repeated handshaking, something Trump does frequently at rallies and events. Plus, he’s on a daily aspirin regimen for heart health, which can make bruising more likely since it thins the blood.
Should We Be Worried?
At this point, doctors say there’s no reason for the public to worry. CVI is a standard part of aging, and with the proper care, it’s usually well-controlled.
Dr. Barbabella made it clear: Trump’s test results are expected in other areas, and his heart health remains solid. The diagnosis won’t affect his ability to campaign or perform his presidential duties.
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The Bigger Picture
When it comes to a sitting president’s health, even minor conditions get big headlines. But for now, this seems to be more of a maintenance issue than a medical crisis.
Trump, who is well-known for his high-energy rallies and public events, may need to adjust his routine, including sitting down between speeches, putting his feet up more often, and wearing compression socks.
Still, according to the White House, he’s in “excellent health,” and there’s no indication he plans to slow down anytime soon.
