Trump's chronic disease

 

Understanding Chronic Venous Insufficiency: President Trump’s Diagnosis Explained

On July 17, 2025, the White House announced that President Donald Trump, aged 79, was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) after experiencing mild swelling in his legs. This common condition, particularly among older adults, has sparked public interest and speculation about the president’s health. This article explores what CVI is, its symptoms, causes, treatments, and the implications of Trump’s diagnosis based on available information.

What Is Chronic Venous Insufficiency?

Chronic venous insufficiency is a condition where the veins in the legs struggle to return blood to the heart, often due to damaged or weakened valves in the veins. Normally, veins rely on one-way valves and muscle contractions to pump blood upward against gravity. When these valves malfunction, blood can flow backward and pool in the lower legs, leading to a range of symptoms. CVI is considered a subset of venous disorders and is typically diagnosed at stage three of the six-stage venous disease classification, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

Symptoms of CVI

CVI primarily affects the legs and can cause:

• Swelling in the lower legs or ankles, often worsening throughout the day.
• Aching, cramping, or heaviness in the legs, sometimes accompanied by tingling.
• Varicose veins, which are enlarged, twisted veins visible under the skin.
• Skin changes, such as discoloration (often reddish-brown or leathery), itching, or thickening.
• Venous ulcers, which are open sores that can develop in severe cases and take a long time to heal.

While these symptoms can be uncomfortable, CVI is generally not life-threatening. However, untreated cases can lead to complications like ulcers or, in rare instances, increase the risk of blood clots such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

Causes and Risk Factors

CVI can result from various factors that impair vein function. The most common cause is damage to the vein valves, often due to:

• Previous blood clots (e.g., deep vein thrombosis), which can scar or weaken valves.
• Prolonged sitting or standing, which increases pressure in the leg veins.
• Obesity, which adds strain on the circulatory system.
• Aging, as vein elasticity decreases over time.
• Family history of venous disorders, indicating a genetic predisposition.
• Other factors, such as pregnancy, smoking, or vein inflammation (phlebitis).

According to experts, CVI affects approximately 1 in 20 adults, with prevalence increasing with age. It is particularly common in individuals over 70, making Trump’s diagnosis consistent with his age group.

President Trump’s Diagnosis

President Trump’s diagnosis came after he noticed mild swelling in his lower legs, prompting a comprehensive medical evaluation by the White House Medical Unit. The examination included diagnostic vascular studies and bilateral lower extremity venous Doppler ultrasounds, which confirmed CVI. Importantly, tests ruled out more serious conditions like deep vein thrombosis, arterial disease, heart failure, renal impairment, or systemic illness. An echocardiogram also confirmed normal cardiac structure and function. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt described the condition as “benign and common,” emphasizing that Trump, who is reported to be in “excellent health” overall, is experiencing no discomfort from the condition.

Photos of Trump at public