White House says Trump diagnosed with vein condition after questions about bruises

July 17, 2025

President Donald Trump has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, a condition where leg veins fail to properly pump blood to the heart, resulting in pooling and swelling in the lower limbs. The White House revealed this diagnosis following speculation about bruising on Trump's hand and swollen legs observed in recent photographs. According to White House physician Sean Barbabella, this vein condition is "benign and common" in people over 70, and despite this diagnosis, Trump remains in "excellent health" with no signs of heart failure or other systemic illnesses.

Who is affected

President Donald Trump, age 79
Older adults (particularly those over 70), among whom the condition is common (affecting approximately 10-35% according to Dr. Matthew Edwards)
People who take aspirin and blood-thinning medications
Individuals who are overweight, have a history of blood clots, or work in jobs requiring extended periods on their feet

What action is being taken

Trump underwent a "comprehensive exam" including vascular testing after experiencing swelling in his legs
Trump is taking aspirin as "part of a standard cardio-vascular prevention regimen"
White House officials are publicly addressing speculation about the president's health by releasing medical information
Medical professionals are confirming and contextualizing the White House's statements about the president's condition

Why it matters

The health of the president is of significant public interest and scrutiny
Trump is the oldest president ever inaugurated, making his health status particularly noteworthy
The president's visible symptoms (swollen legs and bruised hands) had prompted online speculation and rumors about undisclosed illnesses
The White House's transparency about Trump's condition addresses concerns about potential hidden health issues
Trump has previously touted his exceptional health, once describing himself as "the healthiest president that's ever lived"

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC