Donald Trump has been diagnosed with a chronic illness, and here is exactly what that means.
Trump has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, according to the White House.
White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt addressed reporters on Thursday and described the diagnosis as a “benign and common condition” that typically affects older individuals.
“It’s a condition in which damaged veins prevent blood from flowing properly,” she said, reading from a letter by Trump’s physician.
She also emphasized that Trump’s test results were reassuring, noting he showed “normal cardiac structure and function, no signs of heart failure, renal impairment or systemic illness.”
Additionally, there was “no evidence” of more serious circulation issues such as “deep vein thrombosis or arterial disease.”
The bruises visible on the president’s hand were explained as “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.”
Experts describe chronic venous insufficiency as a condition where leg veins struggle to return blood to the heart, allowing it to pool in the legs.
As Dr. Rajendra Prasad, vascular surgeon at Manipal Hospital in Bengaluru, explained to the Indian Express: “Chronic venous insufficiency is a condition which happens when the walls or valves in your leg veins don’t allow blood to flow back up to your heart. So blood flows downwards and can pool in your legs.”
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) notes that venous valve damage leads to symptoms such as leg swelling, pain, skin discoloration, itching, heaviness, and edema. If left untreated, it can lower quality of life and even lead to venous ulcers. An estimated 150,000 Americans are newly diagnosed each year.
While it primarily causes discomfort and skin issues, the condition isn’t directly linked to heart disease. However, the risk factors for both conditions - such as aging, high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, and inactivity - can overlap.
Research from Germany’s Mainz University suggests people with chronic venous insufficiency are about 60% more likely to also suffer from serious cardiovascular disease than those without it.
Doctors typically confirm the condition using Doppler ultrasound to assess blood flow, identify valve failures, and detect potential clots. Treatments include medications that support vein function, compression stockings, and lifestyle changes. Patients are encouraged to stay active and avoid prolonged sitting or standing.
When more severe intervention is necessary, minimally invasive procedures such as laser ablation or “vein glue” can seal off damaged veins. These are considered alternatives to older methods like vein stripping and ligation, with quicker recovery times.
Why It Matters - Especially in PoliticsAt 79, Trump is the oldest president in U.S. history.
His health has been a hot-button political topic - especially during his 2024 re-election campaign, where he frequently criticized then-President Joe Biden's age and "cognitive decline."
Biden, who is three years older, ultimately ended his campaign in July, letting Kamala Harris take the Democratic candidacy, though she later lost to Trump.
Leavitt’s statement argued that Trump’s diagnosis is not a cause for alarm: all results are “within normal limits.” Yet, when pressed about specific treatment plans, she deferred to Trump’s doctor. “We’ll leave that to the doctor,” she said.
Though U.S. presidents aren’t required to publicly release medical records, it’s now expected.
In 2015, Trump’s personal doctor, Harold Bornstein, famously claimed Trump would be “the healthiest individual ever elected to the presidency.” Bornstein later admitted Trump dictated the statement himself.
Trump’s chronic venous insufficiency is a manageable vascular condition tied to aging but not heart disease or clots, according to official reports. With stable test results and routine aspirin use, his medical team insists there’s “no evidence” of serious illness.