The White House announced on Thursday that US President Donald Trump has been diagnosed with a long-term but benign vein condition, following speculation regarding his significantly bruised hand and swollen legs.
At the age of 79, Trump was found to have “chronic venous insufficiency” after he “noted mild swelling in his lower legs” over recent weeks, as reported by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.
Leavitt indicated that the discolouration observed on Trump’s right hand resulted from “frequent handshaking” and the use of aspirin in a “standard cardiovascular prevention regimen.”
This January, Trump became the oldest person in US history to take office when he began his second term, succeeding Democrat Joe Biden, who was 82 when he left the presidency.
The Republican is known for frequently boasting about his energy levels and enjoys playing golf regularly; the administration even shared an image of him portrayed as Superman.
In April, Trump claimed that following a routine medical examination, he was in “very good shape.”
However, Leavitt’s revelations come in the wake of viral online discussions concerning the president’s noticeably swollen ankles, particularly observed during the recent FIFA Club World Cup final in New Jersey, along with his discoloured right hand.
Leavitt mentioned that Trump had asked her to share a note from his physician about the diagnosis “for the sake of transparency.”
She explained that he had undergone “a comprehensive examination” and ultrasound tests, which confirmed the diagnosis of chronic venous insufficiency, a benign and common ailment, particularly in those over the age of 70.
This condition is characterised by damaged leg veins that do not effectively maintain blood flow.
“Importantly, there was no indication of deep vein thrombosis or arterial disease,” she added.
Tests revealed that Trump had a “normal cardiac structure and function, with no signs of heart failure, renal impairment, or systemic illness,” Leavitt, who is 27, further explained.
Concerning the bruising on his hand, Leavitt stated: “This is a well-known and benign side effect of aspirin therapy. The president remains in excellent health.”
Nonetheless, the White House had previously dismissed questions about Trump’s bruised hand on multiple occasions, attributing it solely to handshaking.
AFP”