Trump, 79, went to medical examinations to check for swelling and bruises in his right hand. Both conditions are seen in recent photos.
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WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump was recently diagnosed with chronic venous deficiency, which caused visible swelling in the lower limbs near his ankles, according to White House doctors.
White House spokesman Caroline Leavitt discussed the diagnosis during a July 17 briefing with reporters after President Trump underwent medical tests to investigate swelling and bruises in the legs behind the president’s right hand. Both conditions are seen in recent photos of Trump.
A common chronic vein deficiency among people in the 70s is a condition in which the veins in the legs struggle to send blood back to the heart. Trump turned 79 on June 14th, the second oldest person to serve as president of the United States and the oldest to begin his term as president.
Leavitt described chronic venous deficiency as “benign and common.” More than 150,000 new patients are diagnosed with the condition each year, according to the National Institutes of Health. An estimated 10% to 35% have chronic venous deficiency in the United States.
Trump’s condition was diagnosed after diagnostic vascular studies and ultrasound to assess blood flow in the foot, Leavitt said.
“Importantly, there was no evidence of deep vein thrombosis or arterial disease,” Leavitt said. I read a note from Trump’s doctor. She said Trump’s lab includes full blood count, a comprehensive metabolic panel, coagulation profiles and other cardiac tests. “All outcomes were within normal limits.”
According to Leavitt, echocardiography was also performed on Trump, as he was checking “normal heart structure and function.” She said no signs of heart failure, kidney damage or systemic disease were identified.
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In addition to older age, other risk factors for chronic venous insufficiency include family history of varicose veins, cigarette use, and obesity.
Without treatment, this condition can lead to post-viewpoint syndrome (complications of deep vein thrombosis, or thrombosis in the legs or arms within the deep vein) and venous ulcers.
Leavitt said Trump’s hand bruises are “consistent with frequent manual mild soft tissue stimulation,” and described the use of aspirin as standard cardiovascular prophylaxis.
When asked if the president was experiencing discomfort, Levitt told reporters he remained in “good health” and was not in pain.
Leavitt said the White House will release a full note from White House doctors detailing their medical analysis.
Reach Joey Garrison with X @joeygarrison.
