White House confirms Trump’s leg swelling is vein-related and not linked to serious illness.
Bruised hand blamed on handshakes and aspirin, easing fears over president’s health condition.
U.S. President Donald Trump has been diagnosed with a common vein-related condition that is causing swelling in his lower legs, while bruising seen on his right hand has been attributed to frequent handshaking, according to a statement released Thursday by the White House.
The announcement came after recent images of the 79-year-old president surfaced, showing visible ankle swelling and makeup covering what appeared to be discoloration on his hand. The photos sparked widespread speculation online about Trump’s health.
Addressing reporters at a White House press briefing, spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt read from a medical letter issued by Trump’s physician, U.S. Navy officer Dr. Sean Barbabella. Leavitt assured that both conditions were minor and posed no serious health risk.
“President Trump’s leg swelling is due to chronic venous insufficiency, a benign and common condition, particularly in older adults,” Leavitt said. “The bruising on the back of his hand is a result of frequent handshaking combined with routine aspirin use.”
Dr. Barbabella’s letter confirmed that the president underwent several diagnostic tests following the appearance of symptoms. An ultrasound scan ruled out deep vein thrombosis and arterial disease, both of which can pose severe cardiovascular risks.
“There was no indication of heart failure, kidney dysfunction, or any systemic illness,” Barbabella wrote. “His heart rhythm remains normal, and he is not experiencing any discomfort from either condition.”
The hand bruising, according to the physician, is “consistent with minor soft tissue irritation due to repeated handshaking and the use of aspirin,” which Trump reportedly takes as a preventive cardiovascular measure.
Medical experts say chronic venous insufficiency, though non-life-threatening, still requires proper management to prevent complications.
Dr. Kwame Amankwah, chief of vascular surgery at the University of Connecticut in Hartford, explained that the condition hampers blood flow from the legs back to the heart, often leading to swelling.
“If left unmanaged, this can progress to more serious problems like leg ulcers,” Amankwah said. “It’s typically controlled with compression stockings and keeping the legs elevated regularly.”
Trump’s latest physical examination was conducted on April 11 at Walter Reed National Military Medical Centre. The report showed no abnormalities in his cardiovascular function and described him as being in “excellent health.”
The White House stated that the medical update was intended to alleviate unnecessary alarm and dispel speculation about the president’s health status.
