President Donald Trump has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, a “benign” condition that causes blood to pool in the legs, according to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt. The diagnosis followed an examination for “mild swelling in his lower legs” and a series of follow-up tests.
The condition is a common ailment, particularly for individuals over 70. At 79 years old, Trump’s diagnosis is not considered a serious or life-threatening issue like deep vein thrombosis, Leavitt confirmed.
Chronic venous insufficiency occurs when veins in the legs are unable to effectively pump oxygen-poor blood back to the heart. This leads to blood pooling, causing symptoms such as swelling, pain, and skin discoloration. While not life-threatening, it can be a “yellow flag” for underlying health issues, according to Dr. Lee Kirksey, a vascular surgeon at the Cleveland Clinic. He noted that factors like body weight and a sedentary lifestyle can contribute to the condition. Trump’s latest physical indicates he is 6-foot-3 and weighs 239 pounds, which is considered overweight based on the NIH BMI Calculator.
Experts suggest that managing the condition involves promoting better blood flow in the legs. Dr. Aaron Aday of Vanderbilt University Medical Center explained that walking helps the leg muscles “squeeze our veins that help pump blood back to the heart.” Other helpful measures include wearing compression stockings and elevating the legs.
Trump’s medical records show he already takes aspirin, a common blood thinner, which can help prevent the formation of blood clots.
