President Donald Trump has been diagnosed with a chronic vein condition after he noticed swelling in his legs and was seen with bruises on his hands.
The 79-year-old commander-in-chief has chronic venous insufficiency, the White House announced on Thursday.
Trump was tested after he ‘noted mild swelling in his lower legs’ in recent weeks, said White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.
Reading a note from Trump’s physician, Capt Sean Barbabella, Leavitt said: ‘The president underwent a comprehensive examination, including diagnostic vascular studies. Bilateral lower extremity venous Doppler ultrasounds were performed, and reformed chronic venous insufficiency, a benign and common condition, particularly in individuals over the age of 70.’
There was ‘no evidence of deep vein thrombosis or arterial disease’, Leavitt said.
Trump’s lab test results had ‘no signs of heart failure, renal impairment, or systemic illness’, she said, adding that he remains in overall excellent health.
Leavitt also addressed recent photos of Trump with bruises or discoloration on his hands.
‘This is 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,’ she said.
On Sunday, Trump was also photographed sitting next to his wife, Melania Trump, and FIFA President Gianni Infantino with swollen-looking ankles covered by dark socks.
The White House is expected to release the physician’s letter.
Chronic venous insufficiency happens ‘when your leg veins don’t allow blood to flow back up to your heart’, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.
Symptoms may include swelling in the lower legs or ankles, leg cramping or aching, varicose veins and changes and pain in the skin. It can be treated with medication.
The disease is generally very common and affects one in 20 adults, the Cleveland Clinic finds.
‘CVI usually isn’t life-threatening and doesn’t result in amputation,’ states the clinic.
‘But it’s a progressive disease that can cause discomfort, pain and reduced quality of life.’
Trump is experiencing ‘no discomfort’, Leavitt said.