Donald Trump Diagnosed with Chronic Venous Insufficiency: What It Means
New Delhi: U.S. President Donald Trump has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), a condition in which leg veins do not effectively return blood to the heart. The diagnosis explains the swelling observed around his ankles and the bruises seen on his hands in recent public appearances.
The 79-year-old President was recently photographed at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 final in New Jersey, where visible swelling in his ankles sparked speculation about his health. In response, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that “ultrasound exams performed on Trump's legs confirmed CVI seen frequently among people over the age of 70.”
Leavitt also stated that further medical evaluations found “no signs of heart failure, renal impairment or systemic illness” and that President Trump “is not experiencing any discomfort due to the diagnosis.”
Chronic venous insufficiency is a multifactorial condition that affects a significant number of people worldwide. It occurs when vein valves in the legs fail to function properly, causing blood to flow backward and pool in the lower extremities. Over time, this can lead to symptoms such as swelling, leg cramps, varicose veins, skin changes, and ulcers.
Common manifestations include spider veins small, dilated blood vessels visible on the skin and varicose veins, which appear swollen and twisted. In more severe cases, CVI can result in venous ulcerations.
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, “Chronic venous insufficiency is not a serious health threat. But it can be painful and disabling.”
The condition is more likely to develop in individuals who are overweight, pregnant, or have a family history of vein problems. Additional risk factors include high blood pressure, a sedentary lifestyle, previous blood clot events, smoking, and prolonged periods of sitting or standing.
Though typically considered mild, untreated CVI can worsen over time, making early diagnosis and management important for long-term health.
(With inputs from IANS)
Jyoti Kumari joined Medical Dialogues in 2025 as a Journalism Intern. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Mass Communication from the Delhi School of Journalism, University of Delhi. She is passionate about news reporting, content creation, social media, and emerging media trends.