White House confirms Trump has chronic vein condition, doctors say it’s not serious

The White House has confirmed that President Donald Trump is living with a condition called chronic venous insufficiency.

(CNN) – The White House has confirmed that President Donald Trump is living with a condition called chronic venous insufficiency — a vein disorder that causes periodic swelling in the lower legs, especially around the ankles. Officials and medical experts stress the condition is not alarming.

“It’s basically not alarming information, and it’s not surprising,” said Dr. Jeremy Faust, Assistant Professor at Harvard Medical School.

Chronic venous insufficiency occurs when veins in the legs struggle to return blood to the heart. CNN Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta explained, “The veins really aren’t doing their job… and that’s why you see swelling.” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump’s medical team ran extensive tests to rule out more serious health problems. “All results were within normal limits,” she noted.

Doctors say while the condition isn’t typically serious, risk increases with age, weight, and prolonged sitting or standing. Trump, who turns 80 next year, would become the oldest sitting president in U.S. history if he completes his current term.

“If a person is older, a person is overweight, a person is sitting or standing for prolonged amounts of time, you can get chronic venous insufficiency,” said preventative medicine expert Dr. Chris Pernell.

Treatment options include medication, but doctors often recommend lifestyle changes, leg elevation, and compression socks. “You’re just basically trying to move that fluid up,” Dr. Gupta said. The White House also acknowledged recent bruising seen on Trump’s hand, which some speculated could be related to his health. Dr. Gupta said it’s likely harmless, especially if the president is taking blood thinners.