President Donald Trump has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency following an evaluation for swelling in his legs, the White House announced on Thursday.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, reading from a statement by the president’s physician, Capt. Sean Barbabella said the 79-year-old underwent a thorough medical assessment, including vascular diagnostic tests, conducted by the White House Medical Unit.
According to Barbabella’s note, “bilateral lower extremity venous Doppler ultrasounds” were performed and confirmed the diagnosis of chronic venous insufficiency (ICD-9), a common condition, particularly in individuals over 70.
The examination was prompted after Trump reported mild swelling in his lower legs in recent weeks, Leavitt noted.
Barbabella’s report stated that there was “no evidence of deep vein thrombosis or arterial disease,” and that all lab results were within normal limits. Trump also received an echocardiogram, which showed no signs of heart failure, kidney issues, or systemic illness.
Chronic venous insufficiency occurs when vein valves in the legs don’t function properly, causing blood to pool in the veins. It affects around 150,000 people annually, with risk increasing with age. Symptoms include swelling in the lower legs or ankles, leg pain or cramping, varicose veins, and skin changes. Treatment can range from medications to more advanced medical procedures, depending on severity.
