President Donald Trump has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, a common vein condition that can result in bruising, swelling, and other skin changes.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced the news on Thursday (July 17) after viral photos of the president sparked concerns and speculation about his health.
“The president underwent a comprehensive examination, including diagnostic vascular studies,” Leavitt told reporters, per CBS News. “Bilateral lower extremity venous Doppler ultrasounds were performed, and reformed chronic venous insufficiency, a benign and common condition, particularly in individuals over the age of 70.”
Chronic venous insufficiency occurs when veins struggle to move blood to the heart, causing them to stay filled with blood.
Leavitt said Trump’s condition caused mild swelling in his legs, which many noticed when the 79-year-old president was photographed at the FIFA Club World Cup soccer final on Sunday.
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, the condition affects 1 in 20 adults.
Leavitt went on to say that the president hasn’t experienced any discomfort and has excellent overall health. She said medical testing ruled out deep vein thrombosis and arterial disease.
“Laboratory testing included a complete blood count, comprehensive metabolic panel coagulation profile, D-dimer, B-type natriuretic peptide, and cardiac biomarkers,” she continued. “All results were within normal limits. An echocardiogram was also performed and confirmed normal cardiac structure and function. No signs of heart failure, renal impairment, or systemic illness were identified.”
As for Trump’s bruised and swollen hands, Leavitt attributed those to his “frequent handshaking and the use of aspirin.”