Speculation surrounding President Donald Trump’s health has been rife for some time. Recent public appearances showed unusual gait and bruising on his right hand, actions closely monitored by media outlets. Trump administration previously kept these health matters confidential.
However, White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt confirmed Thursday that Trump suffers from Chronic Venous Insufficiency. Leavitt stated, “Trump takes aspirin to prevent heart disease,” adding that “continuous hand tremors damaged tissue.” While health reports remain undisclosed, Leavitt insists, “Trump’s condition is under control.”
Regarding the 79-year-old’s swollen legs, Dr. Meryl Logan, a physician and assistant professor at the University of Texas, offered an explanation.
She attributes the swelling to leg veins failing to pump blood effectively to the heart. This leads to blood pooling and swelling, with arteries narrowing and blood flowing back towards the legs instead of to the heart.
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White House physician Captain Sean Barbabella told the BBC that age is a primary factor in Trump’s condition. “Developing such a disease after 70 is considered normal,” Barbabella noted. Another expert, Dr. Matthew Edwards, added that “People in his age (group), I would say probably somewhere between 10 and 35% of people would have this.”
Dr Edwards said he agrees with the White House doctor’s explanation that Trump’s aspirin intake along with his age could be responsible for the bruising.
“We are all more prone to bruising as we get older, and you see that a lot in people that take aspirin and other blood-thinning agents.”
“I’m sure it could if someone squeezes your hand hard enough, (you could get a bruise),” Dr Edwards said.
