President Donald Trump‘s claims about his health and aspirin use are facing scrutiny from medical professionals. In recent comments, Dr. Jonathan Reiner, a cardiologist who previously worked with former Vice President Dick Cheney, criticized Trump’s aspirin regimen as illogical. This discussion emerged following an interview with the president published by the Wall Street Journal, where he mentioned taking a higher dose of aspirin to thin his blood.
During the interview, Trump stated, “I don’t want thick blood pouring through my heart. I want nice, thin blood pouring through my heart. Does that make sense?” However, Dr. Reiner disagreed, asserting that the president’s rationale does not align with medical understanding. He explained on CNN’s “The Lead” that anticoagulants do not actually thin the blood. Instead, they reduce the likelihood of clotting, stating, “That actually makes nonsense.”
Trump’s approach to aspirin use raises concerns, especially given guidelines from the American Heart Association (AHA). The AHA warns that individuals over 70, such as Trump, who take aspirin for heart attack or stroke prevention may be at greater risk of bleeding complications. Given that Trump is 79, these risks could have significant implications for his health.
In the same interview, Trump revealed that he underwent a CT scan for cardiovascular and abdominal imaging at Walter Reed Medical Center in October 2023. He also mentioned taking a cognitive test and MRI scan, claiming the latter was “perfect.” Trump remarked that undergoing the MRI might have been unnecessary, stating, “I would have been a lot better off if they didn’t it, because the fact that I took it said, ‘Oh gee, is something wrong?’ Well, nothing’s wrong.”
Trump’s physician, Navy Capt. Sean Barbabella, previously indicated that the scans were part of a comprehensive evaluation typical for men in his age group. He described the assessment as “standard for an executive physical at President Trump’s age,” suggesting it was a routine precaution rather than a response to specific health concerns.
As discussions about the president’s health continue, Dr. Reiner’s comments highlight the importance of understanding the medical implications of medication regimens, particularly for older adults. The conversation reflects broader issues regarding health management in public figures and the need for adherence to established medical guidelines.
