New Delhi– U.S. President Donald Trump has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), a condition in which the leg veins do not efficiently return blood to the heart. The diagnosis explains the visible swelling in his ankles and bruising on his hands.
The 79-year-old president was recently photographed at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 final in New Jersey, where swelling around his ankles led to widespread speculation about his health.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that ultrasound exams confirmed the presence of CVI, a condition commonly seen in people over the age of 70. She added that additional tests showed no signs of heart failure, kidney problems, or systemic illness, and that the president is not experiencing any discomfort as a result of the diagnosis.
Chronic venous insufficiency occurs when the valves in the leg veins become weakened or damaged. These valves normally help direct blood upward toward the heart. When they fail, blood can flow backward and begin to pool in the lower extremities, causing swelling and other complications.
People with CVI often report symptoms such as aching or cramping in the legs, a feeling of heaviness or fatigue after standing for long periods, swelling around the ankles, and itching or tingling in the legs. In more severe cases, the condition can result in skin changes, venous ulcers, or the development of varicose veins.
Risk factors for CVI include obesity, pregnancy, a family history of vein disease, prior leg injury or surgery, and a history of blood clots. Lifestyle habits such as smoking, high blood pressure, prolonged standing or sitting, and lack of physical activity can also increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Although CVI is generally considered mild and manageable, untreated cases may lead to pain, disability, and a significant decline in quality of life.
“Chronic venous insufficiency is not a serious health threat. But it can be painful and disabling,” according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. (Source: IANS)
