The White House has confirmed that former U.S. President Donald Trump has been diagnosed with a vein condition known as chronic venous insufficiency, after experiencing mild swelling in his legs.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt made the announcement on Thursday, stating that Trump noticed swelling in his lower legs and was evaluated by the White House medical team.
Chronic venous insufficiency is a condition where the veins in the legs struggle to efficiently return blood to the heart, causing blood to pool. According to the Cleveland Clinic, it is commonly found in individuals aged 70 and above. Trump is 79.
Leavitt assured that diagnostic tests revealed no evidence of deep vein thrombosis or arterial disease, but confirmed the presence of blood pooling in the former president’s legs.
She also addressed concerns about bruising seen on Trump’s hand, saying it was “consistent with irritation from frequent handshaking and the use of aspirin,” adding that it is routinely covered with makeup.
Despite the condition, the press secretary emphasized that “the president remains in excellent health.”