President Trump diagnosed with chronic vein condition tied to leg swelling
Trump, 79, underwent medical tests to examine leg swelling and bruising on his right hand. Both conditions have been visible in recent photographs.
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, occurs when 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.
Capt. Sean Barbabella, the White House physician, described chronic venous insufficiency as "benign and common" in a memo on the president's health dated July 17.
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.
Trump's condition was diagnosed following diagnostic vascular studies and ultrasounds to assess blood flow in the legs, Barbabella wrote.
"Importantly, there was no evidence of deep vein thrombosis or arterial disease," he said, adding that Trump's lab work included a complete blood count, comprehensive metabolic panel, a coagulation profile and other cardiac tests. "All results were within normal limits."
An echocardiogram was also performed on Trump, according to Barbabella, confirming "normal cardiac structure and function." He said no signs of heart failure, renal impairment or systemic illness were identified.
Hand bruising caused by handshaking and aspirin, White House says
In addition to advanced age, other risk factors for chronic venous insufficiency include a family history of varicose veins, tobacco use and obesity.
Barbabella's memo did not discuss whether Trump is receiving any medical treatment to address the vein condition.
If untreated, venous insufficiency 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.
More: President Trump's health and chronic venous insufficiency, explained
Barbabella 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. He said bruising is a "well-known and benign" side effect of aspirin therapy.
"President Trump remains in excellent health," he said.
Asked if the president was experiencing any discomfort, Leavitt told reporters he wasn't in pain.
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