Camilla Jessen
President reveals daily medication details in interview
Donald Trump has revealed that he takes a larger daily dose of aspirin than his doctors initially recommended, saying he believes it helps protect his heart. The disclosure comes as questions about the president’s health have drawn increased public attention.
The comments were made in an interview with The Wall Street Journal and reported by Reuters.
Aspirin use explained
Trump told the Wall Street Journal that he takes aspirin every day to thin his blood.
“They say aspirin is good for thinning the blood, and I don’t want thick blood running through my heart,” he said. “I want nice, thin blood running through my heart. Does that make sense?”
According to Reuters, Trump’s physician, Sean Barbabella, confirmed that the president takes 325 milligrams of aspirin daily as a preventive cardiovascular measure.
By comparison, the Mayo Clinic says a low-dose aspirin, most commonly 81 milligrams, is typically used for prevention in older adults.
Health under scrutiny
At 79, Trump is the second-oldest person to hold the presidency, after Joe Biden, who was 82 when he left office.
Trump’s health has been closely watched in recent months after bruises were seen on his hands and reports emerged that he underwent medical imaging in October.
The White House said the bruising was caused by “frequent handshakes” and described the imaging as preventive. Trump and Barbabella later clarified to the Journal that the president underwent a CT scan rather than an MRI.
Medical reassurance
Barbabella told the Wall Street Journal that doctors had initially considered either an MRI or a CT scan, but chose the CT “to definitively rule out any cardiovascular issues.” He said the scan showed no abnormalities.
Daily aspirin use can reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke in some people over 60, but higher doses can also increase the risk of bleeding, according to medical guidance cited by the Mayo Clinic.
The White House has not indicated that Trump plans to change his aspirin regimen.
Sources: Reuters; The Wall Street Journal; Mayo Clinic; Digi24
