President Donald Trump has been diagnosed with a common vein condition known as chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) following recent concerns over visible swelling in his legs, the White House announced Thursday.
White House Physician Dr. Sean Barbabella said in an official memo that the president, 79, underwent a full medical evaluation after noticing mild swelling in his lower legs.
The assessment, which included vascular ultrasounds, blood work, and a heart echocardiogram, ruled out serious conditions like deep vein thrombosis or arterial disease.
“The findings were consistent with chronic venous insufficiency, a benign and common condition, particularly among individuals over 70,” the memo stated.
CVI occurs when leg veins struggle to return blood to the heart effectively. According to experts at Johns Hopkins and the Cleveland Clinic, while not life-threatening, the condition can lead to discomfort, fatigue, and leg swelling. It affects roughly 5% of adults and is more common with advancing age, obesity, or prolonged inactivity.
The diagnosis follows speculation triggered by photos showing the president with swollen ankles during his appearance at the Club World Cup final in New Jersey on Sunday. The White House emphasized that the president remains in “excellent overall health.”
Dr. Barbabella added that minor bruising on the back of President Trump’s hand—also noted in recent photos—was due to frequent handshaking and the use of low-dose aspirin as part of a standard cardiovascular regimen.
CVI is typically managed through lifestyle changes like exercise, leg elevation, and compression socks. In more severe cases, medication or surgical interventions may be necessary.
The president is not expected to reduce his schedule and will continue his official duties without interruption, according to Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.
