President Donald Trump has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), a condition affecting up to 40% of Americans. The announcement followed public speculation over bruising seen on his hand, which the White House attributed to tissue damage from frequent handshakes while taking aspirin. Despite the diagnosis and symptoms like leg swelling, Trump’s physician stated the condition is common in people over 70 and insisted the president remains in “excellent health.”
CVI occurs when leg veins struggle to send blood back to the heart, causing it to pool and lead to discomfort or swelling. While not considered life-threatening, experts say it can be a persistent issue, especially for older adults. The condition is typically managed with compression stockings, leg elevation, and physical activity, with minimally invasive procedures available for more severe cases.