18-07-2025
Chronic condition Donald Trump diagnosed with as experts explain what it is
US President Donald Trump was diagnosed with a serious illness the White House has announced. It comes after his hands were pictured looking bruised
US President Donald Trump has been diagnosed with a chronic vein condition, the White House has confirmed. The announcement follows widespread speculation about his health sparked by images showing his hands appearing bruised and heavily made-up.
After experiencing swelling in his legs, President Trump underwent a 'comprehensive exam', White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt revealed. She attributed his bruised hand to "tissue damage from frequent handshaking" while on aspirin, which is "part of a standard cardio-vascular prevention regimen".
The 79 year old president, who once boasted of being "the healthiest president that's ever lived", is now grappling with chronic venous insufficiency. This condition arises when veins in the legs are unable to adequately return blood to the heart, leading to pooling in the lower extremities and subsequent swelling.
Leavitt reassured that there was " no evidence of deep vein thrombosis or arterial disease" and all test results were "within normal limits". White House physician Sean Barbabella described the condition as "benign and common", noting that tests showed "no signs of heart failure, renal impairment, or systemic illness".
As news of President Trump's recent diagnosis with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) breaks, it raises public curiosity about this frequently misunderstood ailment, particularly concerning its implications for aging, mobility, and long-term wellbeing.
The Center for Vein Restoration (CVR), the nation's largest vein care provider, is on hand to offer expert medical insights for your stories.
Dr Sean Stewart, a vein expert at The Center for Vein Restoration, highlighted that while Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) affects up to 40% of Americans, it often goes unnoticed until someone well-known is affected. He noted that common symptoms include leg swelling, varicose veins, and skin changes.
Treatment for CVI can involve surgical interventions alongside lifestyle modifications.
"It can be associated with serious conditions, but in and of itself it is not a serious condition, and one that is very common," Dr Matthew Edwards, chair of the Department of Vascular Surgery at Wake Forest University, explained to the BBC. "People in his age (group), I would say probably somewhere between 10 and 35% of people would have this."
Specialists point out that risk factors for CVI include obesity, a history of blood clots, and occupations that necessitate prolonged standing.
To manage CVI, wearing tailor-made medical-grade compression stockings is advised, and experts also suggest that patients should elevate their legs while sleeping.
Dr Edwards concurred that Trump's use of aspirin could be behind the bruising. "We are all more prone to bruising as we get older, and you see that a lot in people that take aspirin and other blood-thinning agents.
"I'm sure it could if someone squeezes your hand hard enough, (you could get a bruise)."
Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI)
Definition: A condition where leg veins have trouble sending blood back to the heart.
Causes: Faulty valves in the veins, often due to ageing, obesity, or prolonged standing.
Symptoms include: Swelling in legs/ankles. Varicose veins. Skin changes or ulcers.
