U.S. President Donald Trump has recently been diagnosed with a condition called chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), announced by White House Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt on Thursday.
This news came after public attention was drawn to visible swelling on the President’s ankle during the July 13 FIFA event, along with bruises on his hands. In response to the swelling and bruising, doctors performed a vascular ultrasound and an echocardiogram. The results showed no signs of systemic illness, heart failure, or venous thrombosis.
Officials clarified that CVI is a benign, fairly common condition—especially in people over 70—and not a cause for major concern, as is the case with the 79-year-old President.
What is Chronic Venous Insufficiency
Chronic Venous Insufficiency or CVI occurs when the veins in the legs do not work as they should. Normally, these veins have tiny valves that keep blood flowing upward toward the heart, preventing it from pooling in the legs. In CVI, these valves become damaged or weakened, allowing blood to collect in the lower limbs. This pooling increases pressure in the veins, which can lead to symptoms such as swelling, skin changes, and in severe cases, ulcers.
Causes of Chronic Venous Insufficiency
The causes of chronic venous insufficiency can vary, but generally include:
Genetic factors: Some people are born with vein malformations that affect valve function.
Primary causes: Changes in the vein structure, like veins becoming too wide, which can prevent proper valve closure.
Secondary causes: Often linked to blood clots, especially deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is the most common cause.
Other triggers: Aging, obesity, prolonged standing, and previous blood clots.
Symptoms to Watch For
Symptoms of CVI can differ widely but often include:
Achy, tired, or heavy legs
Burning, tingling, or needle-like sensations
Nighttime leg cramps
Discolored skin that may appear reddish-brown
Swelling (edema), especially around the ankles, after standing all day
Varicose veins
In advanced cases, painful ulcers may become infected
In President Trump’s case, his diagnosis was triggered by the noticeable swelling in his ankle. The bruises on his hands were explained as a side effect of aspirin use and frequent handshakes rather than the CVI itself.
Stages of CVI
Doctors classify CVI into stages that indicate severity:
Stage 0: No visible signs; only symptoms like tired legs
Stage 1: Visible small blood vessels or spider veins
Stage 2: Varicose veins appear (veins wider than 3 mm)
Stage 3: Swelling occurs, but no skin changes yet
Stage 4: Skin texture or color changes become noticeable
Stage 5: Healed skin ulcers
Stage 6: Active ulcers that may be painful or infected
President Trump’s condition corresponds to an early stage, with no skin damage or ulcers present.
Treatment and Management
Managing CVI often involves lifestyle adjustments and medical treatments aimed at reducing symptoms and preventing complications. These include:
Elevating the legs regularly to ease blood flow
Maintaining a healthy weight
Regular exercise to improve circulation
Wearing compression stockings or socks to support the veins
In some cases, medical procedures or surgery may be necessary if symptoms worsen
Conclusion
While President Trump’s diagnosis of chronic venous insufficiency has raised questions, it is important to understand that CVI is a common condition related to vein health, especially in older adults. With proper care and lifestyle measures, its symptoms can be effectively managed. The recent medical evaluation confirmed that Trump’s overall cardiovascular health remains stable, and his CVI poses no immediate risk.
Reference:
1. Cleveland Clinic. “Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI),” June 2, 2025. Accessed July 19, 2025. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16872-chronic-venous-insufficiency-cvi#symptoms-and-causes.
(Rh/Pooja Bansal/MSM/SE)