Trump diagnosed with chronic vein condition causing leg swelling
White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt, reading a letter from Trump's doctor at a press briefing, said both ailments were benign. His leg swelling is from a 'common' vein condition, and his hand is bruised from shaking so many hands, she told reporters.
The disclosure sought to put to rest a raft of internet rumours that the 79-year-old Trump might be suffering from a serious ailment based on the photographic evidence.
After Leavitt's briefing, the White House released the letter from a U.S. Navy officer who is Trump's physician, Sean Barbabella. It said Trump underwent a suite of tests about the issues. Barbabella said an ultrasound on the president's legs 'revealed chronic venous insufficiency, a benign and common condition, particularly in individuals over the age of 70.'
The letter said there was no evidence Trump had contracted deep vein thrombosis, a malady that afflicted former President Richard Nixon, or arterial disease. Additional exams identified no signs of heart failure, kidney impairment, or a systemic illness, Barbabella said.
Leavitt told reporters Trump was not experiencing discomfort due to the condition. Barbabella also said that Trump had bruising on the back of his right hand.
He described this as '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.'
'President Trump remains in excellent health,' he said.
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