US President Donald Trump has once again found his health under public focus. This time, it is because he revealed that he takes a higher daily dose of aspirin than his doctors advised. In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, Donald Trump said he takes a higher dose of aspirin every day, even though his doctors recommended less.
“They say aspirin is good for thinning out the blood, and I don’t want thick blood pouring through my heart,” Trump told Wall Street Journal. “I want nice, thin blood pouring through my heart. Does that make sense?”. He added, “I’m a little superstitious,” and said he has been taking aspirin for 25 years. Trump said this higher dose is the reason for the bruises seen on the back of his right hand, which have drawn attention in recent months.
Why aspirin can cause bruising
Aspirin helps thin the blood. This can lower the risk of heart attacks and strokes by stopping blood clots from forming. But it also makes bleeding easier. Doctors say this is why people on aspirin may bruise more easily, even from small bumps or pressure.
Trump’s physician, Dr. Sean Barbabella, told the Journal that Trump takes 325 milligrams of aspirin daily. According to the Mayo Clinic, a low dose is usually between 75 and 100 milligrams, with 81 milligrams being common. The Mayo Clinic also says aspirin therapy can range up to 325 milligrams.
In recent years, medical guidelines have changed. Many doctors no longer recommend daily aspirin for older adults because the risk of bleeding can be higher than the benefit. Some experts even advise stopping aspirin in people in their 70s unless there is a strong medical reason.
Questions grow over Trump’s health and age
There has been growing attention on his age, fitness for office, and how much medical information he shares. Earlier, media reports have pointed to bruising on his hand, swelling in his legs, and moments where he appeared to doze during public events. CNN has reported that the hand bruising existed even before Trump returned to the White House, but it became more noticeable when he tried to cover it with makeup or bandages and hid it from cameras.
Doctors say Trump is in “exceptional health”
Regardless of the attention, the White House has repeatedly said Trump is healthy. In October 2025, Dr. Sean Barbabella reported that Trump remains in “exceptional health” after detailed exams at Walter Reed. These included imaging scans and lab tests. An April 2025 physical said Trump is “fully fit,” showed weight loss to 224 pounds, normal cognitive test results, and a heart age said to be 14 years younger than his actual age.
What is chronic venous insufficiency?
In July 2025, the White House confirmed that Trump was diagnosed with a condition called chronic venous insufficiency. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump noticed swelling in his legs, which led doctors to check his veins. Chronic venous insufficiency happens when veins in the legs struggle to push blood back up to the heart. This can cause blood to pool in the legs, leading to swelling, especially around the ankles.
Dr. Barbabella described the condition as “benign and common,” especially in people over 70. “There was no evidence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or arterial disease,” he said, adding that Trump “remains in excellent health.” Tests also showed “normal cardiac structure and function,” with “no signs of heart failure, renal impairment, or systemic illness.” Dr. Matthew Edwards of Wake Forest University told the BBC, “It can be associated with serious conditions, but in and of itself it is not a serious condition, and one that is very common.” He added that between 10% and 35% of people in Trump’s age group may have it.