During the briefing, Leavitt explained that the minor bruises on Trump’s hands, which fueled online speculation, are due to frequent handshaking and aspirin use for cardiovascular precaution.
US President Donald J. Trump has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), a common circulatory condition that primarily affects the veins in the legs. The announcement came during a White House press briefing on Thursday, as officials addressed visible leg swelling and hand bruising observed in recent public appearances.
According to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, the president underwent a comprehensive vascular evaluation, including a bilateral venous Doppler ultrasound, which confirmed the CVI diagnosis.
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Leavitt said that the condition is not linked to heart failure and that testing showed no signs of deep vein thrombosis or cardiac dysfunction.
CVI occurs when leg veins become weakened or damaged, impairing their ability to return blood efficiently to the heart. This leads to blood pooling in the lower limbs, causing swelling, heaviness, skin discoloration, and in advanced cases, ulcers.
It’s particularly common among older adults, especially those over 50.
CVI affects an estimated 5 per cent of U.S. adults, with higher prevalence among seniors. Though it doesn’t pose the same risk as heart failure, unmanaged CVI can lead to long-term discomfort and lifestyle limitations.
President Trump, who is 79, was reportedly experiencing mild swelling in his lower legs, which prompted the evaluation.
Medical experts stress that CVI and heart failure are separate conditions, although they both involve the circulatory system. According to clinical guidance from the Cleveland Clinic, CVI does not directly cause heart failure.
However, both conditions can coexist, especially in older individuals or those with a history of vascular disease.
“CVI is a peripheral vascular issue, not a cardiac one,” said vascular medicine specialists. “While the discomfort and symptoms can be chronic, it does not typically compromise heart function.”
Thus, while CVI can cause significant leg swelling and discomfort, it does not compromise cardiac function or typically lead to heart failure, aligning with the earlier expert quote.
The bruises seen on Trump’s hands, which prompted speculation online, were addressed during the same briefing. Leavitt clarified that the bruising is minor and consistent with frequent handshaking and the use of aspirin, which Trump takes as a precautionary cardiovascular measure.
While not life-threatening, CVI requires ongoing management to prevent complications. Common treatments include compression therapy, leg elevation, physical activity, and, in some cases, minimally invasive procedures to improve vein function.
The White House has not detailed President Trump’s treatment plan or whether the condition will affect his campaign travel or public schedule.
According to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, the president underwent a comprehensive vascular evaluation, including a bilateral venous Doppler ultrasound, which confirmed the CVI diagnosis.
Also Read: ChatGPT Agent, OpenAI's new AI Assistant can book dinner or order groceries, but is your data safe?
Leavitt said that the condition is not linked to heart failure and that testing showed no signs of deep vein thrombosis or cardiac dysfunction.
What is Chronic Venous Insufficiency?
CVI occurs when leg veins become weakened or damaged, impairing their ability to return blood efficiently to the heart. This leads to blood pooling in the lower limbs, causing swelling, heaviness, skin discoloration, and in advanced cases, ulcers.
It’s particularly common among older adults, especially those over 50.
CVI affects an estimated 5 per cent of U.S. adults, with higher prevalence among seniors. Though it doesn’t pose the same risk as heart failure, unmanaged CVI can lead to long-term discomfort and lifestyle limitations.
President Trump, who is 79, was reportedly experiencing mild swelling in his lower legs, which prompted the evaluation.
Can CVI Lead to Heart Failure?
Medical experts stress that CVI and heart failure are separate conditions, although they both involve the circulatory system. According to clinical guidance from the Cleveland Clinic, CVI does not directly cause heart failure.
However, both conditions can coexist, especially in older individuals or those with a history of vascular disease.
“CVI is a peripheral vascular issue, not a cardiac one,” said vascular medicine specialists. “While the discomfort and symptoms can be chronic, it does not typically compromise heart function.”
Thus, while CVI can cause significant leg swelling and discomfort, it does not compromise cardiac function or typically lead to heart failure, aligning with the earlier expert quote.
What about the bruising?
The bruises seen on Trump’s hands, which prompted speculation online, were addressed during the same briefing. Leavitt clarified that the bruising is minor and consistent with frequent handshaking and the use of aspirin, which Trump takes as a precautionary cardiovascular measure.
Is the condition serious?
While not life-threatening, CVI requires ongoing management to prevent complications. Common treatments include compression therapy, leg elevation, physical activity, and, in some cases, minimally invasive procedures to improve vein function.
The White House has not detailed President Trump’s treatment plan or whether the condition will affect his campaign travel or public schedule.
