White House physician Dr. Sean Barbabella disclosed Thursday that President Trump, 79, has chronic venous insufficiency but โremains in excellent health.โ
During an earlier press conference, Karoline Leavitt noted this is a โcommon condition, particularly in individuals over the age of 70.โ
After Trump reported โmild swellingโ in his lower legs, he underwent a โcomprehensive examination,โ and Barbabella found no signs of deep vein thrombosis or arterial disease. The exact date of the exam was not specified, NPR reported.
Chronic venous insufficiency occurs when vein valves malfunction, causing blood that should return to the heart for oxygenation to pool in the lower legs, according to published information on the condition.
During Thursdayโs briefing, Leavitt, Trumpโs press secretary, also addressed recent photos showing bruising on the presidentโs hands, attributing it to frequent handshakes and regular aspirin use, which he takes to help prevent cardiovascular issues.
โThe president underwent a comprehensive examination, including diagnostic vascular studies. Bilateral lower extremity intravenous doppler ultrasounds were performed and revealed chronic venous insufficiency, a benign and common condition, particularly in individuals over the age of 70,โ Leavitt said. โThe president remains in excellent health.โ
A reporter asked if the president was feeling any discomfort from the condition at one point during the briefing.
โNope. No discomfort from the president at all. And you probably all see that on a day-to-day basis. Heโs working around the clock,โ Leavitt responded.
The circulatory issue was not raised in Trumpโs annual physical exam in April, NPR noted. That report said, โblood flow to his extremities is unimpaired.โ It did note he takes aspirin for heart health, but concluded โ as the memo Thursday states โ that Trump โremains in excellent health.โ
Here is a screenshot of Barbabellaโs memo:
Chronic venous insufficiency occurs when damaged vein valves in the legs canโt effectively return blood to the heart, causing it to pool and elevating pressure in the leg veins. Over time, this pressure can rupture tiny capillaries, leading to easy bruising, reddish-brown skin discoloration, inflammation, tissue damage, andโeven if left untreatedโvenous ulcers, according to theย Cleveland Clinic.
According to the Society for Vascular Surgery, the condition affects as many as 40% of Americans, especially women and those who are middle-aged or older.
โThe veins, particularly in the lower extremity, are very thin walled structures and they have valves so that when you stand up, all the blood doesnโt rush to your feet, these valves close, but over time these valves can become dysfunctional,โ Dr. Niten Signh, a vascular surgeon at the University of Washington, told NPR.
Several X users responded to Trumpโs generally positive health report, with some noting how it conflicted with that of his predecessor, former President Joe Biden.
โFunny everyone is so concerned about [the] health of the president who plays golf and does regular press briefings but no one seemed to care about the guy who wandered off into the Amazon and needed help from the Easter rabbit,โ one userย wrote.
โThe Trump administration is being transparent about the President health unlike the Biden administration where there was none except lies,โ saidย another.
โExcellent medical report, especially for someone who is 78 yrs old and works 60/70 hours a week while carrying a heavy load of pressure and staying positive,โ another userย wrote.
One user was somewhat introspective regarding Trumpโs condition, suggesting that Vice President JD Vance could someday be called upon to take over if the president should fall ill.
โThis made me realize that I really need to know that JD Vance is as MAGA as [T]rump. Especially when it comes to other nations. Itโs easy to assume but it is an honest question,โ the userย wrote.
