A trained family doctor reviews Donald Trump's known medical history, including his recent chronic venous insufficiency diagnosis.
Highlights
President Trump’s latest health report included a new diagnosis of chronic venous insufficiency.
His physicians have shared details from past medical evaluations worth noting.
Cognitive testing has been part of his recent medical assessments.
Lifestyle habits continue to play a role in shaping his overall health.
Dr. Varacallo is a trained family physician, but is not part of Donald Trump’s care team.
It’s natural to wonder about the health of U.S. presidents and other elected leaders. Medical updates can reassure the public that a leader is fit to handle the enormous pressures of the office, though experts caution that too much attention can sometimes blur the line between transparency and unnecessary scrutiny. While there’s no requirement for presidents to release their medical records, most choose to share periodic updates.
The most recent came in July 2025, when President Donald Trump’s physician released a statement addressing swelling in his legs—diagnosed as chronic venous insufficiency—and bruising on the back of his hand. In the memo, White House physician Captain Sean Barbabella, DO, confirmed the president “remains in excellent health.” That echoed the results of Trump’s annual physical in April 2025, which also concluded that he was healthy and able to carry out his duties.
Age has fueled much of the public conversation as well. During the 2024 election cycle, much of the focus was initially on then-President Joe Biden, who at 81 faced mounting questions about whether his age might affect a second term. After Biden stepped out of the race in July 2024, attention quickly shifted to Trump, then 78. Upon taking office again, he became the oldest president ever inaugurated, surpassing Biden by a few months.
Trump turned 79 on June 14, 2025. According to data from the Social Security Administration, a 79-year-old male has an average life expectancy of an additional 8.6 years. However, it’s important to emphasize that individual life spans can differ from statistical averages. The actual life expectancy can be influenced by various factors, including family and medical history, as well as lifestyle choices. Trump’s parents both lived long lives; his father lived to age 93 and battled Alzheimer’s, while his mother passed away at 88, though her cause of death was not publicly disclosed.
Ahead, we take a closer look at President Trump’s health history and what his latest medical reports reveal—including his recent diagnosis of chronic venous insufficiency.
Chronic venous insufficiency diagnosis
In July 2025, President Trump’s physician Dr. Barbabella reported that “out of an abundance of caution,” the White House Medical Unit evaluated mild swelling in Trump’s lower legs. He underwent bilateral lower extremity venous Doppler ultrasounds—an imaging test that uses sound waves to measure blood flow in the veins. The studies revealed chronic venous insufficiency, which Dr. Barbabella described as “a benign and common condition, particularly in individuals over the age of 70.”
According to the Cleveland Clinic, chronic venous insufficiency happens when the veins in the legs have trouble sending blood back to the heart. This condition becomes more common with age because vein walls and valves naturally weaken over time, making it harder for blood to flow back to the heart against gravity. This can lead to swelling, aching, or changes in the skin. Chronic venous insufficiency is usually managed with lifestyle adjustments and routine monitoring.
The White House report also stated there was no evidence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT)—dangerous blood clots in the deep veins—or arterial disease, which refers to narrowed or blocked arteries. Additional testing, including lab work and an echocardiogram (an ultrasound that checks the heart’s structure and function), reportedly showed normal results. No signs of heart failure, kidney disease, or other systemic illness were reported.
Treatment and prevention
For most people, chronic venous insufficiency is managed with practical, noninvasive measures. Doctors often recommend:
Compression stockings to improve blood flow.
Regular physical activity such as walking or swimming to encourage circulation.
Elevating the legs when resting to reduce swelling.
In more advanced cases, procedures such as vein ablation or surgical interventions may be considered.
Bruising on the hand
Chip Somodevilla/Getty ImagesAUGUST 25, 2025: A bruise is visible on the back of U.S. President Donald Trump’s right hand during a meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung in the Oval Office at the White House on August 25, 2025 in Washington, DC. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt was asked about the bruising in February and she responded, “President Trump has bruises on his hand because he’s constantly working and shaking hands all day every day.” (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
The July 2025 report also addressed bruising on the back of Trump’s right hand. Dr. Barbabella explained this was consistent with minor soft tissue irritation from frequent handshaking combined with daily aspirin use. Aspirin is commonly prescribed in low doses to help prevent heart attacks and strokes because it thins the blood and reduces the risk of clot formation. But that same effect can also make blood vessels more prone to leaking under the skin after even small bumps or pressure. “This is a well-known and benign side effect of aspirin therapy,” Dr. Barbabella noted.
Trump’s previous medical evaluations
Details about Trump’s other health conditions, current medications, and vaccination status were outlined in his April 2025 annual physical. In that report, Dr. Barbabella stated that Trump “exhibits excellent cognitive and physical health” and is “fully fit” to carry out the duties of Commander-in-Chief. All laboratory results released to the public were within normal limits.
Dr. Barbabella noted Trump’s medical history includes the following conditions, translated in lay language:
Seasonal allergies: Common reactions to pollen or environmental triggers.
Rosacea: A chronic skin condition that causes redness and visible blood vessels.
Actinic keratosis: Precancerous skin spots caused by sun exposure.
Benign nevi: Noncancerous moles.
Diverticulosis: Small pouches that form in the colon lining, often without symptoms.
Benign colon polyp: A noncancerous growth in the colon removed during routine screening.
He has also undergone bilateral cataract surgery, a procedure that removes cloudy lenses from both eyes to restore clearer vision.
Medications and vaccinations
At the time of the exam, Trump’s prescribed medications reportedly included:
Rosuvastatin and ezetimibe to manage cholesterol.
Aspirin for cardiovascular prevention.
Mometasone cream for occasional skin flare-ups.
Dr. Barbabella confirmed that Trump is current on all recommended vaccinations, including those required for international travel.
Weight, blood pressure, and heart health
It’s worth noting that in 2018 Trump was diagnosed with coronary artery disease, a condition caused by plaque buildup that narrows the coronary arteries and increases heart attack risk. This is a relatively common diagnosis for men in his age group.
In 2019, Trump’s physical listed his weight at 243 pounds with a height of 6’3″—a body mass index (BMI) of 30.4, which falls into the “obese” category according to health experts. At his most recent reported physical, his weight had dropped to 224 pounds, lowering his BMI to 28, which is considered “overweight” rather than obese. Doctors view this kind of weight reduction as a positive step, since even modest weight loss can lower the risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.
His most recent blood pressure reading was 128/74 mmHg. According to the American Heart Association, this falls into the “elevated” category, which is higher than ideal but not yet classified as hypertension. Maintaining healthy blood pressure is important, as uncontrolled hypertension can raise the risk of stroke, heart attack, and kidney disease.
Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images
Trump’s cognitive health
As previously mentioned, Trump’s family history includes Alzheimer’s disease, which is significant as genetics can be a risk factor for this condition, but, it is important to note that a genetic predisposition does not necessarily mean one will develop the disease.
The National Institute on Aging identifies several other risk factors for Alzheimer’s. These include advanced age, particularly being over 65, and medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and obesity. Lifestyle factors, including physical inactivity, an unhealthy diet, excessive alcohol intake, and smoking, also significantly contribute to the risk.
Prompted by concerns about his cognitive capabilities, Trump requested the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) during his January 2018 health checkup. MoCA is a widely used screening tool to assess cognitive function. Trump’s former physician, Dr. Ronny Jackson, MD, reported a perfect score of 30 out of 30, indicating normal cognitive health. In April 2025, under the care of Dr. Barbabella, he repeated the test and again scored 30 out of 30, confirming stable cognitive performance.
Trump’s mental health has also been a topic of fervent discussion, particularly in light of his often contentious public appearances and divisive rhetoric. These factors have fueled widespread speculation about his mental fitness and decision-making capacity. In 2017, a group of mental health professionals signed a petition advocating for his removal from office under the 25th Amendment, citing concerns over what they perceived as serious mental illness. There have also been discussions suggesting a possible narcissistic personality disorder, although no official diagnosis has been made by his physicians.
In response to these debates, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) reaffirmed its commitment to the Goldwater Rule with a statement in January 2018. This ethical guideline advises psychiatrists against offering professional opinions about public figures without direct examination. The rule aims to prevent the misuse of psychiatric evaluations in media, books, or on social platforms, ensuring the integrity of the psychiatric profession.
2024 assassination attempt
In July 2024, Trump survived an assassination attempt at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, which tragically resulted in the death of one attendee and injuries to multiple others.
According to a memo from Dr. Jackson, released by the Trump campaign, Trump was struck by a bullet just near his right ear. The projectile came dangerously close to his head—less than a quarter of an inch away—before grazing the top of his ear.
Dr. Jackson detailed the injury, noting it produced a two-centimeter-wide wound that penetrated to the cartilaginous part of the ear. This was said to have caused significant bleeding and considerable swelling of the upper ear. Despite the severity, the blunt nature of the wound meant that sutures were unnecessary. Dr. Jackson also confirmed that Trump was recovering as expected.
Although such a traumatic event naturally raises concerns about potential post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Trump has reported that he is not experiencing PTSD following the attempt on his life.
Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images
2020 COVID diagnosis
In October 2020, Trump tested positive for COVID-19 and was admitted to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. His three-day hospitalization was reportedly due to symptoms including fever and labored breathing. Treatment included an antiviral, experimental antibody therapy, and a steroid.
Further details emerged in 2021, revealing that his condition may have been far more serious. His former Chief of Staff, Mark Meadows, disclosed that at one point, Trump’s oxygen levels had dropped to 86%. He may have also experienced lung infiltrates, a problem associated with pneumonia.
Long COVID concerns
Long COVID refers to a range of symptoms that can continue for months after the initial coronavirus infection has cleared. These symptoms can include fatigue, shortness of breath, “brain fog,” joint pain, and other ongoing complications that affect daily functioning. Despite the severity of his COVID-19 experience, there have been no confirmed reports of Trump suffering from long COVID symptoms.
Lifestyle considerations
The lifestyle choices of a presidential candidate are also important indicators of their overall health. Dr. Jackson pointed out in his 2018 press briefing that Trump benefits from a lifelong abstinence from tobacco and alcohol, which Dr. Barbabella also confirmed in his most recent medical report. Avoiding tobacco reduces the risk of cancer, heart disease, and lung disease, while steering clear of alcohol helps protect the liver, supports cardiovascular health, and lowers the risk of certain cancers.
Dr. Jackson also mentioned that Trump could improve his health by adopting a diet lower in fat and carbohydrates and by incorporating regular exercise, given his well-documented preference for fast food and Diet Coke. CNN reported that a registered dietitian from Walter Reed was brought in to consult with White House kitchen staff on implementing healthier dietary options.
Adopting a heart-healthy diet is important for Trump, given his past diagnosis of coronary artery disease. A heart-healthy diet includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats, which can help reduce bad cholesterol levels and improve overall cardiovascular health.
When it comes to physical activity, Trump is an avid golfer, having hit the links more than 280 times during his first presidency, and he has continued the routine during his second term. Golfing is considered a moderate form of exercise that can be beneficial when players choose to walk the course. The activity involves a range of movements that can engage the core, shoulders, and back. However, the level of physical exertion in golf can vary greatly depending on the style of play.
For optimal health benefits, the American Heart Association recommends that adults engage in at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes per week of vigorous aerobic activity, along with muscle-strengthening activities on two or more days per week. Incorporating golf alongside other forms of exercise can help create a more balanced and comprehensive fitness regimen.
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