Washington, D.C., July 18, 2025 – President Donald Trump, 79, has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), a common and benign condition, following reports of mild swelling in his lower legs, the White House announced on Thursday, July 17.
The diagnosis was confirmed after a comprehensive medical examination conducted by the White House Medical Unit, as detailed in a letter from the president’s physician, Capt. Sean Barbabella.
According to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, Trump underwent diagnostic vascular studies, including bilateral lower extremity venous Doppler ultrasounds, which revealed CVI—a condition where faulty vein valves cause blood to pool, often leading to swelling, aching, or varicose veins.
Barbabella’s letter, released publicly, emphasized that the tests showed no evidence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), arterial disease, heart failure, renal impairment, or systemic illness. An echocardiogram and lab tests further confirmed that all results were within normal limits.
CVI affects approximately 150,000 Americans annually, with risk increasing with age, obesity, and prolonged inactivity. Dr. Jeremy Faust, an assistant professor of emergency medicine at Harvard Medical School, described the diagnosis as “not alarming” and “a normal part of aging,” particularly for individuals in the overweight category, like Trump.
However, cardiologist Dr. Bernard Ashby noted to CNN that while CVI itself is benign, underlying causes such as increased heart or lung pressure warrant further investigation.
“The question is, what’s causing the venous insufficiency?” Ashby said, commending Trump’s doctors for ruling out more serious conditions like heart failure.
Leavitt clarified that Trump is experiencing “no discomfort” from the condition, which can be managed with medication or, in advanced cases, medical procedures.
Symptoms of CVI, which include leg swelling, cramping, or skin changes, can be debilitating if untreated, according to Dr. Chris Pernell, who highlighted risk factors like age, obesity, and prolonged sitting or standing.
The White House also addressed visible bruising on Trump’s hands, attributing it to “frequent handshaking” and his use of aspirin as part of a standard cardiovascular prevention regimen. Barbabella described the bruising as “minor soft tissue irritation,” dismissing any serious concerns.
The announcement comes amid heightened public interest in Trump’s health, given his age and active public schedule. Medical experts stressed the importance of evaluating symptoms like leg swelling to rule out life-threatening conditions, a step the White House Medical Unit diligently followed.
