The White House has spoken out after bruising was spotted on the back of the US president’s hand.
Donald Trump, 79, has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, a condition that affects the valves in certain veins.
What is Chronic Venous Insufficiency?
Chronic venous insufficiency is a condition in which the valves inside certain veins don’t work properly, allowing blood to pool or collect in the veins.
About 150,000 people are diagnosed with it each year, and the risk increases with age.
Symptoms can include swelling in the lower legs or ankles, aching or cramping in the legs, varicose veins, pain or skin changes.
Trump’s Diagnosis
Trump underwent a “comprehensive examination, including diagnostic vascular studies” with the White House Medical Unit, according to press secretary Karoline Leavitt.
The examination revealed bilateral lower extremity venous Doppler ultrasounds, which showed chronic venous insufficiency.
No Evidence of Deep Vein Thrombosis or Arterial Disease
Importantly, there was no evidence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or arterial disease, and Trump’s lab testing was all “within normal limits.”
Expert Opinion
Dr. Jeremy Faust, an assistant professor of emergency medicine at Harvard Medical School, told CNN that the diagnosis is “not alarming information” and “not surprising” given Trump’s age and health status.
Dr. Bernard Ashby, a cardiologist, added that chronic venous insufficiency can be related to conditions like increased pressure from the heart or sleep apnea.
Treatment and Prognosis
Treatment for chronic venous insufficiency may involve medication or, in later stages, medical procedures.
Leavitt added that the president was experiencing “no discomfort” and that his doctors were “covering all their bases” by screening him for heart failure, increased pressure, and other conditions.
Bruising on Trump’s Hand
The White House also addressed bruising that has appeared on the back of the president’s hand, which was attributed to his “frequent handshaking” and use of aspirin.
The press secretary concluded that “President Trump remains in excellent health.”