President Donald Trump was diagnosed with blood pooling in his legs after being examined for “mild swelling in his lower legs,” White House spokesman Carolyn Leavitt said Thursday.
At a press conference, Leavitt said Trump was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, a “benign” condition common in people over the age of 70. The president is 79 years old.
Although follow-up tests found no evidence of serious or life-threatening conditions such as deep vein thrombosis, she said, she led to the diagnosis of chronic venous deficiency.
What is chronic venous deficiency?
Normally, oxygen-rich blood is pumped all over the body, including the arms and legs. The veins then return the blood to the heart and reoxygenate it.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, the veins in the legs may be damaged and the blood and it cannot be returned. When this occurs, the blood settles in the legs, causing what is called chronic venous deficiency.
Patients can experience swelling, pain and discoloration of the skin. Occasionally, ulcers develop.
This condition itself is common and usually affects an estimated 1 in 20 adults over the age of 50. Dr. Lee Kirksey, a vascular surgeon at Cleveland Clinic, said it is not life-threatening.
But “raising the yellow flag to see the underlying issues, whether it's your weight or your sedentary lifestyle,” Kirksey said.
According to Trump's April 2025 physical, his heart function is normal and “blood flow to his limbs is intact.” According to the NIH BMI calculator, his latest body also says he weighs 239 pounds at 6 feet 3. Being overweight or obese is a risk factor for chronic venous insufficiency.
How is chronic venous deficiency treated?
Dr. Aaron Addey, co-director of vascular medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, said the key is to work and pump those legs again.
“As we walk, the muscles and legs of our legs squeeze the veins and help us to bring the blood back to our heart,” Adey said. “If you're on a plane, sitting or standing at a desk work, that pressure can build up and cause pain and weight in your legs.”
There is no specific treatment for chronic venous deficiency. According to experts, compression stockings and leg extensions can be helpful.
Blood cells also help prevent blood clots from forming. According to his medical records, Trump is taking thin blood aspirin.
Neither Kirksey nor Aday are involved in caring for Trump.
On Thursday, President's doctor Dr. Sean Barbabera said in a memo that “President Trump is in excellent health.”