WASHINGTON ― President Donald Trump was recently diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency that has resulted in visible swelling in his lower legs near his ankles, according to the White House’s physician.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt discussed the diagnosis at a July 17 briefing with reporters after Trump underwent medical tests to examine the leg swelling and bruising on the back of the president’s right hand. Both conditions have been visible in recent photographs of Trump.
Chronic venous insufficiency, common among people in their 70s, is a condition in which veins in the legs have trouble sending blood back to the heart. Trump turned 79 years old on June 14 and is the second oldest person to serve as president of the United States and the oldest to begin a term as president.
Leavitt described chronic venous insufficiency as “benign and common.” According to the National Institutes of Health, more than 150,000 new patients are diagnosed with the condition each year. An estimated 10% to 35% have chronic venous insufficiency in the United States.
In addition to advanced age, other risk factors for chronic venous insufficiency include a family history of varicose veins, tobacco use and obesity. If untreated, the condition can lead to postphlebitic syndrome (a complication of deep vein thrombosis, or a blood clot in the leg or arm in a deep vein) and venous ulcers.
“Importantly, there was no evidence of deep vein thrombosis or arterial disease,” Leavitt said, reading off a note from Trump’s physician. She said Trump’s lab work included a complete blood count, comprehensive metabolic panel and other cardiac tests. “All results were within normal limits.”
Leavitt said the bruising on Trump’s hand is “consistent with minor soft tissue irritation from frequent handshaking” and his use of aspirin as a standard cardiovascular prevention regimen.
Asked if the president was experiencing any discomfort, Leavitt replied to reporters that he remains in “excellent health” and wasn’t in pain.
Leavitt said the White House would be releasing the full memo from the White House physician detailing the medical analysis.
Reach Joey Garrison on X @joeygarrison.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump diagnosed with vein condition tied to leg swelling
