By Uche Usim
US President Donald Trump has been diagnosed with a common vein condition known as chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) after noticing mild swelling in his legs in recent weeks, the White House announced Thursday.
The diagnosis follows a comprehensive medical evaluation conducted by the White House medical unit “out of an abundance of caution,” according to a memo from the president’s physician, Dr. Sean Barbabella.
The condition, which is benign and common, especially among older adults, was confirmed through bilateral lower extremity venous Doppler ultrasounds.
“The president underwent a comprehensive examination, including diagnostic vascular studies. Bilateral lower extremity venous Doppler ultrasounds were performed and revealed chronic venous insufficiency, a benign and common condition, particularly in individuals over the age of 70,” Barbabella wrote in the memo, which was read aloud by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt during Thursday’s briefing and later released in full.
The memo added that there was “no evidence” of blood clots, deep vein thrombosis, or arterial disease—conditions that can sometimes present similar symptoms.
Trump, who is 79, was described as being in “excellent” overall health, with no systemic illness or organ impairment detected.
“All results were within normal limits,” the physician noted, following a series of diagnostic tests that included a complete blood count, comprehensive metabolic panel, and coagulation profile.
An echocardiogram confirmed “normal cardiac structure and function,” ruling out any signs of compromised heart performance or renal issues.
Public attention had been drawn to the president’s health after recent photographs taken at the Club World Cup soccer final in New Jersey showed noticeable swelling around his ankles.
The White House said the president was “thoroughly evaluated” following those appearances, which prompted speculation about his condition.
The physician emphasized that the diagnosis was not unusual for someone of Trump’s age and reiterated that the condition, while potentially uncomfortable, does not pose a serious health risk.
Barbabella also addressed recent images that showed faint bruising on the back of the president’s hand.
“This is consistent with minor soft tissue irritation from frequent handshaking and the use of aspirin, which is taken as part of a standard cardiovascular prevention regimen,” the memo stated.
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, chronic venous insufficiency occurs when the veins in the legs are unable to efficiently return blood to the heart, often due to damage or weakening of the vein walls and valves.
It can lead to symptoms such as swelling, skin discoloration, aching, and fatigue in the legs.
Though not life-threatening, the condition can become painful or disabling if left untreated.
The Cleveland Clinic notes that it affects approximately one in 20 adults, with risk increasing significantly with age.
Other contributing factors include obesity, family history, a sedentary lifestyle, prior leg injuries, smoking, and prolonged periods of standing or sitting.
Despite the diagnosis, the president’s medical team has made it clear there is no cause for alarm.
“The president is in excellent health, and there is no cause for concern,” Dr. Barbabella affirmed, underlining that the condition is manageable and the president remains fully capable of performing his duties.
