US President Donald Trump has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, a blood circulation issue after noticing “mild swelling in his lower legs,” according to Karoline Leavitt, White House press secretary.
Speaking on Thursday, Leavitt describe it as a “common condition, particularly in individuals over the age of 70”.
Leavitt said Trump, 79, underwent multiple tests, including a complete blood count, comprehensive metabolic panel, and coagulation profile.
Leavitt noted that the results were encouraging.
“Importantly, there was no evidence of deep vein thrombosis or arterial disease… An echocardiogram was also performed and confirmed normal cardiac structure and function; no signs of heart failure, renal impairment, or systemic illness were identified additionally,” Leavitt said, reading from a letter she said was from Trump’s physician.
According to the press secretary, Trump instructed her to share the findings with the public “in the effort of transparency”.
Chronic venous insufficiency occurs when the leg veins do not allow blood to flow back up to the heart.
Valves in the veins make sure that blood flows towards the heart.
But when the valves do not work well, blood can also flow backwards. This can cause blood to pool in the legs.
When left untreated, it can cause pain, swelling, cramps, skin changes, and leg ulcers.
However, it is not known to be a serious condition.
Leavitt also addressed recent photos of Trump that showed a different patch of skin on the back of his 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,” she said.
“This is a well-known and benign side effect of aspirin therapy, and the president remains in excellent health, which I think all of you witness on a daily basis here.”
In January, Trump became the oldest person ever to be inaugurated as US president.
Joe Biden, his predecessor, was the oldest serving president at the time.
During the 2024 elections, Trump hammered Biden, who is now 82, over his age and stamina.
The former president eventually withdrew from the race after a calamitous debate performance that heightened scrutiny of his alertness.
