President Donald Trump has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), a common vascular condition in older adults, according to a medical update released Thursday by the White House.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt read a letter from Trump’s physician, Capt. Sean Barbabella, who said the 79-year-old underwent “comprehensive diagnostic vascular studies” after experiencing mild swelling in his lower legs.
Barbabella’s report states that bilateral lower extremity venous Doppler ultrasounds confirmed the CVI diagnosis but ruled out more serious conditions, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and arterial disease. Additional tests, including an echocardiogram, showed no signs of heart failure, kidney impairment, or systemic illness.
“President Trump remains in excellent health,” Barbabella wrote in his conclusion.
Chronic venous insufficiency occurs when valves in the veins fail to function properly, allowing blood to pool in the legs. While not life-threatening, it can cause swelling, pain, skin changes, or varicose veins, particularly in older, overweight, or inactive individuals.
“It’s not surprising and not alarming,” said Dr. Jeremy Faust, a Harvard emergency medicine professor, who described it as a “normal part of aging.”
However, medical experts also cautioned that CVI can be linked to deeper health issues, including elevated heart or lung pressure.
“Venous insufficiency by itself doesn’t necessarily mean it’s benign,” said Dr. Bernard Ashby, a cardiologist. “The question is, what’s causing it?”
The condition is often manageable through medications, lifestyle changes, or outpatient procedures.
Leavitt also addressed visible bruising on Trump’s hand, attributing it to “frequent handshaking” and his use of aspirin for cardiovascular prevention — both of which were noted as minor and expected side effects.
Despite the diagnosis, Trump is reportedly experiencing no discomfort and remains physically active.
If re-elected in November, Trump would become the oldest U.S. president ever to serve, entering his second term at age 79.
