【By Chen Sijia, Observer News】Recently, some photos of US President Trump showing swelling in his legs have been circulating online, sparking speculation about his health. According to a report by CNN on July 17, White House Press Secretary Levitt stated that Trump had undergone a comprehensive examination and was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency.

Trump watched the FIFA Club World Cup final at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on the 13th, and there were photos capturing his clearly swollen ankles, which led to doubts about his health. When Trump gave an interview to the media on the 15th, cameras captured bruises on his back of the hands, and he used concealer to cover the mark.

Photos circulating on social media show Trump's swollen ankles Reuters

Regarding the outside doubts, Levitt stated at a press conference on the 17th that after discovering the swelling in his legs, Trump had received an examination at the White House medical institution. She read out the report from Trump's doctor, Sean Barbabella: "A Doppler ultrasound was performed on both lower limbs, and the results showed chronic venous insufficiency, a benign and common condition, especially prevalent among people over 70 years old."

The report mentioned that all laboratory test results were within normal ranges, "Importantly, no signs of deep vein thrombosis or arterial disease were found." Barbabella added that Trump also underwent an echocardiogram, "no signs of heart failure, kidney damage, or systemic diseases were found."

CNN pointed out that the risk of chronic venous insufficiency increases with age, and 150,000 people are diagnosed with this condition each year in the United States. Symptoms may include swelling in the lower limbs or ankles, leg pain or cramps, varicose veins, pain, or skin changes. Treatment may include medication, or medical intervention if the condition is severe.

Additionally, some photos circulating online also show bruises on Trump's back of the hands. Levitt cited Barbabella's report, saying, "This is related to mild soft tissue irritation caused by frequent handshakes and taking aspirin, which is part of the standard cardiovascular prevention regimen." The report concluded, "Trump's health status remains very good."

Footage captured by the camera shows bruising on Trump's back of the hands, covered with concealer Video screenshot

Jeremy Faust, assistant professor of emergency medicine at Harvard Medical School, told CNN that these details were not surprising or concerning, "This is a normal part of aging, especially for someone like the president (Trump) who is overweight. More importantly, it is necessary to assess whether there are more serious diseases."

Bernard Ashby, an American cardiologist, said, "Even if he is diagnosed with a benign disease, this condition itself does not necessarily mean it is benign. The key is, what caused the venous insufficiency? I want to know if he has signs of increased pressure in the heart or lungs, as these could be contributing factors to this condition."

Medical expert Chris Pernell pointed out that age, obesity, and lack of exercise can all lead to this condition, "If someone is older, overweight, and lacks regular physical activity, or spends long periods sitting or standing, they may develop chronic venous insufficiency. Although it is not life-threatening, it can be debilitating."

However, Levitt stated at the press conference on the 17th that Trump "did not feel unwell."

Trump is currently 79 years old, making him the oldest president to take office in American history. The Washington Post noted that Trump's lifestyle has always been controversial; he enjoys golf and fast food and dislikes the dietary and exercise advice proposed by medical experts. He often posts photos of playing golf and delivers long, passionate speeches to supporters to demonstrate his "vitality."

According to NBC, a health check-up report released by the White House in April this year showed that Trump is about 1.9 meters tall and weighs around 100 kilograms, falling into the category of overweight. The report also stated that Trump's heart function is normal, "blood flow in the limbs is unobstructed."

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