WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a candid reveal that has sparked fresh debate over presidential health, President Donald Trump confirmed this week that he has consistently ignored medical advice regarding his daily aspirin regimen.
In an interview with The Wall Street Journal on Thursday, the 79-year-old President disclosed that he takes a 325-milligram dose of aspirin daily—four times the 81-milligram “low-dose” typically recommended by cardiologists for heart health.
“I Want Nice, Thin Blood”
Addressing the noticeable bruising on his hands that has fueled media speculation for months, Trump attributed the marks to his long-standing medication habit. He explained his refusal to lower the dose as a blend of personal conviction and superstition.+1
“They say aspirin is good for thinning out the blood, and I don’t want thick blood pouring through my heart,” Trump told the Journal. “I want nice, thin blood pouring through my heart. Does that make sense?”
Trump revealed he has maintained this 325mg dosage for over 25 years. While his physician, Navy Capt. Sean Barbabella, has reportedly urged him to scale back to the standard 81mg dose to reduce side effects, the President remains unmoved, stating he is “a little superstitious” about changing a routine he believes has kept him healthy.+1
The Medical Risk: Bruising and Beyond
The White House confirmed that the President’s frequent hand bruising is a direct result of the high-dose aspirin combined with his rigorous schedule of handshaking. In some instances, Trump admitted to using makeup or bandages to conceal the discoloration.+1
Medical experts warn that the President’s “more is better” approach carries significant risks, particularly for a man of his age:
- Gastrointestinal Bleeding: High doses of aspirin can erode the stomach lining, leading to ulcers or internal bleeding.
- Hemorrhagic Stroke: While aspirin prevents clots (ischemic stroke), it can increase the risk of a bleed in the brain.
- Chronic Venous Insufficiency: Trump also addressed reports of swelling in his lower legs, a condition previously diagnosed by White House doctors, noting he tried compression socks but “didn’t like them.”
A Clean Bill of Health?
Despite the aspirin controversy, Dr. Barbabella insisted the President remains in “exceptional health.” Results from a recent CT scan at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center—which Trump initially misidentified as an MRI—reportedly showed “perfectly normal” cardiovascular results with no abnormalities.+1
Trump dismissed concerns about his stamina and recent instances where he appeared to close his eyes during public meetings, describing them as “moments of relaxation” and blaming “blinking” caught by photographers. “My genetics are very good,” the President stated. “I have the best genes.”
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