Trump Diagnosed With Circulation Disorder: Doctors Reveal What It Means For His Presidency
The White House announced this week that President Donald Trump has been diagnosed with the circulatory condition chronic venous insufficiency. Here’s how that could impact his presidency.
President Donald Trump addresses the media during a press briefing earlier this month.
A memo about President Donald Trump’s recent diagnosis of Chronic venous insufficiency.
According to
The Cleveland Clinic
, the disorder is caused by vein damage in the legs.
Trump’s physician, Dr. Sean Barbabella, diagnosed the condition after noticing ankle swelling, a possible symptom of more serious issues like deep vein thrombosis or arterial disease. Trump tested negative for both.
Barbabella concluded his memo by stating that Trump “remains in excellent health.”
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, reading from Barbabella’s memo, called CVI a “benign and common condition” for people over age 70. Trump is 79.
Chronic venous insufficiency affects about 1 in 20 older adults and ranges in severity, according to the Cleveland Clinic. In mild cases, patients experience swelling and discomfort, while severe cases can lead to ulcers due to blood pooling in the legs.
Treatment options vary, according to
Johns Hopkins Medicine
, and may include medication, lifestyle changes, weight loss, compression socks, and increased physical activity. There is no cure, and only severe cases require surgery.
Observers had also recently noticed bruising on the backs of Trump’s hands. Leavitt attributed it to aspirin therapy, which is used in CVI treatment, combined with the physical act of shaking hands with dignitaries and supporters.
According to Johns Hopkins, when properly monitored, CVI is unlikely to cause major complications for the president going forward.
