News Summary
President Trump has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) after a health check-up revealed swelling in his legs. The White House confirmed the diagnosis, explaining that CVI is common among older adults and generally benign. No serious underlying conditions were detected, and Trump is reported to be in excellent health. Doctors recommended lifestyle changes, including the use of compression stockings, to manage symptoms. This situation underscores the importance of regular health check-ups for older individuals.
Washington, D.C. – President Donald Trump, 79, has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), following a recent health check-up after he noticed swelling in his legs. The diagnosis was confirmed in a statement released by the White House on Thursday during a briefing held by Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.
During an examination by the White House Medical Unit, doctors performed bilateral lower extremity venous Doppler ultrasounds, which ultimately confirmed the presence of CVI. According to Captain Sean Barbabella, the White House physician, CVI is considered “benign and common,” particularly among individuals over the age of 70. Experts estimate that between 10% and 35% of those over 70 may experience this condition.
CVI occurs when leg veins fail to adequately return blood to the heart, resulting in blood pooling in the lower limbs. Symptoms often include swelling, pain, itching, and in severe cases, may lead to skin changes, ulcers, bleeding, or deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The condition itself is rarely life-threatening but may cause discomfort and reduced mobility.
Factors that may exacerbate CVI include being overweight, having a history of blood clots, and occupations that require prolonged periods of sitting or standing. Despite the diagnosis, examinations conducted during Trump’s check-up showed no signs of deep vein thrombosis, arterial disease, heart failure, renal impairment, or systemic illness. Furthermore, Trump was reported to be in “excellent health” with normal cardiac structure and function.
In recent photographs, bruising on the back of Trump’s hand raised some concern, but physicians attributed this to frequent handshaking and the use of aspirin as part of a cardiovascular prevention regimen. Following the diagnosis of CVI, doctors recommended that Trump wear medical-grade compression stockings and elevate his legs at night to manage symptoms.
Chronic venous insufficiency is a common ailment, with approximately 150,000 diagnoses made annually in the United States. Treatment options for CVI may include medication, wearing compression garments, and implementing lifestyle changes such as regular exercise and weight management to alleviate symptoms and improve overall health.
In April, Trump had undergone his first annual physical of his second presidential term, where he was declared “fully fit.” The White House indicated that this recent check-up was conducted out of an abundance of caution after Trump reported the swelling in his legs.
The current situation serves as a reminder of the importance of regular health check-ups, particularly for older adults who may face conditions like CVI. At the core of this diagnosis is a broader public health issue affecting many aging individuals, pointing to the need for ongoing awareness and preventive health measures.
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Additional Resources
- The Washington Post
- Wikipedia: Chronic Venous Insufficiency
- The New York Times
- Google Search: Chronic Venous Insufficiency
- AP News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Chronic Venous Insufficiency
