When President Donald Trump was recently seen with swollen ankles, it sparked questions about his health. The White House later confirmed that he had been diagnosed with a condition called chronic venous insufficiency. While the name may sound serious, many people wonder: how dangerous is it really? Let us break it down together so it is easier to understand what this condition means, how it can affect you, and what to look out for—especially as you get older.
What is chronic venous insufficiency?
Chronic venous insufficiency, or CVI for short, is a condition that happens when the veins in your legs are not working as well as they should. Your veins have tiny valves inside them that help blood flow back up to your heart. When those valves get weak or damaged, blood can start to pool in your legs instead of moving upward. This can lead to swelling, pain, heaviness, or even skin changes over time.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, CVI affects around 1 in 20 adults, and it is even more common in people over 70, just like Trump, who is 79.
Is chronic venous insufficiency life-threatening?
In most cases, CVI is not considered life-threatening. Think of it more like a long-term, ongoing issue that needs to be managed rather than a medical emergency.
Here are some important things to know:
- CVI does not usually cause pain right away, and many people live with it for years without serious problems.
- However, if it gets worse and is not treated, it can lead to complications like:
- Leg ulcers (open sores that do not heal easily)
- Skin discoloration or thickening
- Increased risk of infection
- Discomfort or fatigue in the legs
- Leg ulcers (open sores that do not heal easily)
In Trump’s case, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said he was not in pain and that the condition is “benign and common, particularly in individuals over the age of 70.”
Why do ankles swell with this condition?
You might be wondering why people with CVI, like Trump, get swollen ankles. That is one of the key signs of the condition.
Here is why it happens:
- When blood pools in the lower legs due to faulty veins, fluid leaks into surrounding tissues, causing swelling.
- This swelling usually gets worse at the end of the day or after standing or sitting for long periods.
- It often affects both legs but may be more noticeable on one side.
So if you ever notice your ankles getting puffy often, especially in the evening, it is a good idea to talk to your doctor about it.
How is chronic venous insufficiency treated?
The good news is, CVI is manageable, especially when it is caught early.
Treatment usually includes simple lifestyle changes and non-surgical options like:
- Wearing compression stockings – These help push blood back up toward the heart.
- Elevating your legs – Doing this for short periods during the day can reduce swelling.
- Exercising regularly – Walking helps the leg muscles pump blood more efficiently.
- Avoiding long periods of sitting or standing – Movement keeps the blood flowing.
In some cases, more advanced treatments may be needed, like vein ablation or sclerotherapy, but these are usually reserved for more severe cases.
What does Trump’s diagnosis tell us about his health?
Based on the information shared, Trump’s overall health remains stable. According to White House physician Sean Barbabella, Trump is “fully fit” and in “excellent physical health.”
- His blood test results were all within normal range.
- An echocardiogram showed no signs of heart failure or kidney problems.
- There was also no evidence of deep vein thrombosis (which is a more serious condition involving blood clots).
The bruising seen on Trump’s hands, which some people noticed in recent photos, was also explained. According to Leavitt, it is due to frequent handshaking and his aspirin regimen, which is common for cardiovascular health in older adults.
So while CVI is something to watch and manage, it does not pose an immediate threat to Trump’s well-being—and the same goes for many older adults who live with it every day.
