Trump undergoes examination for leg swelling, diagnosis revealed

(Patria) - The White House announced on Thursday that President Donald Trump was examined for leg swelling and diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency.

Trump (79) underwent a "comprehensive examination, including diagnostic vascular studies" at the White House Medical Unit, said spokesperson Karoline Leavitt, reading a note from the president's doctor, Captain Sean Barbabella.

The note states that "bilateral Doppler ultrasounds of the lower extremity veins were performed, which revealed chronic venous insufficiency, ICD-9, a common condition, especially in individuals over 70 years of age."

The examination followed Trump having "noticed mild swelling of the lower legs" in recent weeks, Leavitt said.

She said that "there is no evidence of deep vein thrombosis or arterial disease" and that Trump's laboratory tests were "within normal limits." Trump also underwent an echocardiography that "found no signs of heart failure, kidney damage, or systemic disease," she said.

Chronic venous insufficiency is a condition in which the valves within certain veins do not function as they should, which can allow some blood to pool in the veins. It is diagnosed in about 150,000 people each year, and the risk increases with age.

Symptoms can include swelling of the lower legs or ankles, pain or cramps in the legs, varicose veins, pain, or skin changes. Treatment may include medication or, in later stages, medical procedures.

The spokesperson also addressed bruises that appeared on the president's hand, attributing them to his "frequent handshakes" and use of aspirin.