Donald Trump Undergoes Scan After Leg Swelling, Diagnosed With Chronic Venous Insufficiency
- US President Donald Trump was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency after weeks of leg swelling
- A White House memo said Trump underwent full vascular studies, which found no signs of deep vein clots or heart failure
- Photos of swollen ankles had stirred online speculation, prompting a precautionary checkup that confirmed Trump's health
- Doctors linked the president's recent hand bruises to two factors, calling them harmless side effects
Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.
US President Donald Trump has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency following weeks of mild leg swelling.
Source: Getty Images
The White House confirmed this on Thursday, July 17, calling the condition benign and common, particularly among older adults.
A memo from the president’s physician, Capt. Sean Barbabella detailed that Trump, 79, underwent a comprehensive medical evaluation after noticing swelling in his lower legs.
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The findings ruled out any life-threatening conditions like deep vein thrombosis or arterial disease.
"The President underwent a comprehensive examination, including diagnostic vascular studies. Bilateral lower extremity venous Doppler ultrasounds were performed and revealed chronic venous insufficiency, a benign and common condition, particularly in individuals over the age of 70. Importantly, there was no evidence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or arterial disease," Barbabella noted.
Photos of Trump taken during the Club World Cup final in New Jersey had sparked speculation online, with visible swelling around his ankles.
The White House said the medical checkup was conducted "out of an abundance of caution" and confirmed that Trump remains in excellent health.
Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a condition where leg veins struggle to send blood back to the heart, leading to pooling of blood, swelling, or aching.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, CVI often results from damaged valves and affects up to 40% of adults, particularly women and older individuals.
It typically develops over time and is more likely in people who are elderly, overweight, or sedentary.
How is Trump's overall health?
Despite the diagnosis, Barbabella emphasised that all of Trump’s lab tests, including a complete blood count, metabolic panel, coagulation profile, and cardiac biomarkers, were normal.
An echocardiogram showed no signs of heart failure or systemic illness.
"Laboratory testing included a complete blood count, comprehensive metabolic panel, coagulation profile, D-dimer, B-type natriuretic peptide, and cardiac biomarkers. All results were within normal limits. An echocardiogram was also performed and confirmed normal cardiac structure and function. No signs of heart failure, renal impairment, or systemic illness were identified," the memo stated.
Source: Getty Images
The memo also addressed minor bruising recently spotted on the back of Trump's hand, attributing it to routine aspirin use and frequent handshaking.
"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. This is a well-known and benign side effect of aspirin therapy," Barbabella explained.
Press secretary Karoline Leavitt reiterated that Trump was experiencing “no discomfort” and remains in good spirits.
Is William Ruto sick?
Earlier, Kenyans on social media raised concerns after seeing images of President William Ruto during a state visit to South Korea, where his feet appeared visibly swollen.
The photos, shared by former Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria during meetings with the Kenyan diaspora in Seoul, sparked speculation about his health.
Some commenters mentioned possible medical issues like oedema, kidney or cardiac disease, while others dismissed it as a side effect of long flights or standing during public events.
Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
