WASHINGTON D.C., USA – Amid escalating speculation surrounding President Donald Trump's health, the White House officially announced on July 17 (local time) that President Trump has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, aiming to quell related concerns. This measure comes in response to recent worries about bruises observed on President Trump's hand and his overall health condition.
White House Explanation: Chronic Venous Insufficiency Common in Elderly
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that the 79-year-old President Trump has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, emphasizing that it is "not dangerous and is a common condition in individuals aged 70 and above." According to Leavitt, a medical summary from the President's physician, Navy Captain Sean Barbabella, states that President Trump underwent a comprehensive examination due to symptoms of calf swelling, which led to the diagnosis of chronic venous insufficiency. Fortunately, no signs of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or arterial disease were found, and the White House added that there were no indications of other serious complications such as heart failure or kidney damage.
Chronic venous insufficiency is a condition where valves within the leg veins weaken or are damaged, preventing blood from circulating effectively back to the heart and causing it to pool in the legs. Aging is cited as the primary cause, and it is also common in occupations requiring prolonged standing (e.g., retail workers, teachers). Leavitt stated that President Trump has experienced mild swelling in his lower extremities in recent weeks, leading to a comprehensive examination including vascular tests and ultrasound of the leg veins. President Trump is reportedly not experiencing any discomfort from this condition.
Hand Bruises Attributed to Aspirin Use and Frequent Handshakes
The White House also addressed the bruises on President Trump's hand, which had fueled speculation about his health. Leavitt explained that the bruises were caused by "mild irritation to delicate tissues due to frequent handshakes and aspirin use." President Trump takes aspirin for cardiovascular disease prevention, and hand bruising is a well-known side effect of aspirin, she added.
Indeed, on July 16, during a meeting with Bahraini Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa at the White House, images showed what appeared to be thick makeup marks on President Trump's hand, possibly to cover bruises, leading to various conjectures. Bruises or marks on President Trump's hand have been observed multiple times since his inauguration in January of this year.
Expert Opinions and Upcoming Schedule
As explained by the White House, chronic venous insufficiency is a common condition among the elderly and is not significantly dangerous if properly treated and managed. However, CNN quoted a cardiologist who commented, "President Trump is elderly, overweight, and has a body type that likely indicates high blood pressure," adding that "close monitoring is necessary." It was pointed out that President Trump, who has many speaking engagements requiring prolonged standing and is known as an avid golfer, needs to pay more attention to his health management.
Meanwhile, President Trump is scheduled to continue his public engagements with visits to Turnberry and Aberdeen in Scotland from July 25 to 29. Leavitt stated that President Trump plans to meet with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer during his visit to discuss a trade agreement between the United States and the United Kingdom in detail. Additionally, President and Mrs. Trump are scheduled for a state visit to the UK from September 17 to 19. President Trump's health status is expected to continue to draw significant public interest.
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