Trump’s Chronic Venous Insufficiency: What You Need to Know

On July 17, 2025, the White House officially disclosed that President Donald Trump, age 79, has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). The announcement followed concerns raised by visible swelling in his lower legs and bruising on his hands. According to Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, the diagnosis came after comprehensive vascular evaluations, including Doppler ultrasounds and cardiac assessments, which ruled out more serious conditions such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), arterial disease, heart failure, or kidney issues.

Understanding Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) Today

Chronic venous insufficiency is a vascular condition caused when vein valves in the legs fail, allowing blood to pool instead of returning efficiently to the heart . When untreated, the increased pressure in the tiny capillaries can lead to skin discoloration, swelling, and in severe cases, venous ulcers .

Key facts about CVI:

How Trump’s Diagnosis Was Made

1. What Triggered the Medical Review

In recent appearances—most notably at the FIFA Club World Cup and other public events—Trump showed mild swelling around the ankles and some bruising on his hands, triggering public concern.

2. Diagnostic Steps

The White House Medical Unit carried out:

• Bilateral Doppler ultrasounds, identifying CVI but no evidence of DVT 

• Echocardiogram, confirming normal cardiac function 

• Blood panels and metabolic checks—all within normal limits

3. Hand Bruising Explained

Bruising was attributed to frequent hand-shaking and regular low-dose aspirin, used as part of his cardiovascular prevention regimen .

Symptoms, Causes & Treatment of CVI

What Patients May Experience

• Visible signs: Swollen ankles, varicose veins, discoloration

• Sensations: Aching, heaviness, leg cramps, itchiness

• Long-term risks: Skin ulcers, dermatitis, infections, rarely clot formation

Common Causes

• Valve dysfunction in leg veins

• Age-related degeneration

• Contributing factors: Obesity, genetics, prolonged immobility, previous clot history

Treatment & Management

1. Lifestyle adjustments:

   • Daily exercise like walking or golfing (without a cart) encourages circulation

   • Leg elevation during rest

   • Weight control to reduce venous pressure

2. Medical aids:

   • Compression stockings: first-line therapy to reduce pooling

   • Medications: Salicylic treatments or minor anticoagulants if needed for clot risk

3. Procedures (if needed):

   • Sclerotherapy or venous ablation for damaged superficial veins

   • Surgery for advanced cases involving superficial veins; deep veins typically avoided

   • In severe cases: Vein stripping or ulcers management

What to Keep in Mind

• CVI is common, especially in seniors.

• Non-life-threatening, but does require ongoing care.

• Trump’s evaluation was thorough, dismissing more dangerous causes.

• Lifestyle changes and compression therapy are effective.

• Procedural options exist for severe or persistent cases.

Why This Matters Now

1. Age and transparency: This rare health disclosure from Trump reflects a broader acceptance of aging realities, especially among leaders in their late 70s .

2. Political optics: CVI does not impair cognitive or executive functions, maintaining Trump’s public portrayal of “excellent health” .

3. Setting public health expectations: Millions live with mild CVI—Trump’s case normalizes taking proactive steps such as compression and exercise.

Final Takeaway

Trump’s diagnosis of chronic venous insufficiency, though benign, provides a valuable case study. It highlights the importance of routine monitoring, especially as we age, and reminds us that simple interventions—like exercise and compression—can effectively manage vascular health. For the President, this diagnosis isn’t a barrier to his duties but rather a reminder that even well-known public figures can benefit from preventive circulatory care.