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The White House tackled increasing speculation regarding President Donald Trump’s health on Thursday, disclosing that the 79-year-old is suffering from leg swelling and a bruised right hand, both of which are said to be harmless.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt read a letter from Trump’s doctor, US Navy official Dr. Sean Barbabella, during a press conference. She explained the swelling in Trump’s lower legs as resulting from a common vein condition and the bruising on his hand as a result of persistent handshaking. The report came in the wake of public alarm after images began circulating of Trump with his ankles visibly swollen and with makeup covering the bruised area on his hand.
As per Dr. Barbabella’s letter, an ultrasound showed that Trump suffers from chronic venous insufficiency, a benign but prevalent condition, particularly among people aged over 70. Crucially, there was no indication of deep vein thrombosis or arterial disease, both of which have troubled previous presidents such as Richard Nixon.
The president also went through additional tests, which detected no indication of heart failure, kidney disease, or systemic sickness. Dr. Barbabella reassured the public that Trump was free from any pain due to the venous condition.
Responding to the bruising on Trump’s right hand, the doctor characterized it as trivial soft tissue irritation. He attributed this to excessive handshaking, added to by Trump’s daily intake of aspirin, which is part of his cardiovascular health program.
“President Trump is in superb health,” Barbabella asserted in the letter.
Medical professionals point out that chronic venous insufficiency, though not fatal, needs treatment to avoid complications. Dr. Kwame Amankwah, University of Connecticut chief of vascular surgery, described the condition as usually occurring in the lower legs and causing major issues if not treated with compression stockings and elevation of the leg properly.
Trump had a routine physical exam on April 11 at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Then, he was reported to have normal heart rhythm and no significant health issue.
The administration believes the most recent revelation will put an end to rumors and reassure the public regarding the president’s general health.
