U.S. President Donald Trump has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), a vascular condition that impairs proper blood flow in the legs. The diagnosis came after he developed mild leg swelling and bruising on one hand, according to a White House briefing on Thursday.
The 79-year-old underwent a comprehensive health evaluation, including vascular imaging and ultrasound scans, which revealed no signs of deep vein thrombosis (DVT)—a serious condition involving blood clots in deep veins. Trump’s physician confirmed the absence of DVT and noted that the test results fell within the normal range.
Chronic venous insufficiency typically affects individuals over the age of 50 and arises when leg veins struggle to return blood to the heart. According to medical experts, including those from Cleveland Clinic and Johns Hopkins Medicine, CVI may cause blood to pool in the lower limbs, leading to swelling, skin discoloration, cramping, ulcers, and the development of varicose veins. Although not life-threatening, the condition can be painful and debilitating.
Risk factors include aging, obesity, smoking, a sedentary lifestyle, pregnancy, previous leg injuries, high blood pressure in the veins, and family history of the condition. Treatment often involves lifestyle changes such as exercise, weight management, leg elevation, and the use of compression garments to improve circulation.
The bruise on Trump’s hand, attributed to repetitive handshaking, was described by his medical team as minor soft tissue damage. The White House reiterated that Trump, despite the recent diagnosis, was deemed to be in excellent health during his most recent physical examination in April.
Medical experts emphasize that with proper management, CVI does not pose a major health threat, and many individuals lead normal, active lives following diagnosis.