US President Donald Trump has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, the White House confirmed Thursday, following speculation over visible swelling in his legs and bruising on his hands.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump underwent vascular testing after experiencing leg swelling. His hand bruising, she added, was due to “tissue damage from frequent handshaking” while on aspirin, part of a cardiovascular prevention routine.
Chronic venous insufficiency occurs when leg veins fail to return blood to the heart efficiently, leading to swelling. White House physician Sean Barbabella described the condition as “benign and common” among people over 70.
He noted there was no sign of heart failure, arterial disease, or other systemic illness, and said Trump remains in “excellent health.”
The condition only affects the lower body and is unrelated to the bruising seen on Trump’s hand during recent meetings. Experts agreed with the assessment, citing age and aspirin use as likely causes for the bruises.
Trump, 79, is the oldest person to assume the US presidency and has repeatedly touted his physical fitness.