Donald Trump has disclosed that he ignores medical advice and consumes a substantial quantity of a particular medication in a bid to address heart concerns. The remarkable revelation came during a recent interview, where the US President discussed his physical wellbeing, including remarks about his choice to have a cardiovascular and abdominal examination last year.
Amongst the disclosures was that the 79-year-old takes a daily dose of a widely-used anti-inflammatory medicine for "cardiac prevention" purposes, according to his physician, Navy Capt. Sean Barbabella. NHS guidance indicates that the typical dose of aspirin to prevent a heart attack or stroke is 75mg daily, yet Barbabella revealed that Trump takes 325 milligrams.
He acknowledged that the substantial dose had resulted in him bruising more readily and that his medical team had recommended he reduce it, but Trump reportedly declined the proposal as he'd been taking it for an incredible 25 years.
Trump told The Wall Street Journal: "I'm a little superstitious. They say aspirin is good for thinning out the blood, and I don't want thick blood pouring through my heart. I want nice, thin blood pouring through my heart. Does that make sense?".
In additional comments regarding his elevated dose, the MAGA leader stated: "They'd rather have me take the smaller one. I take the larger one, but I've done it for years, and what it does do is it causes bruising", reports the Express.
The NHS advises that aspirin can aid in preventing strokes and heart attacks in those at high risk. It's sometimes recommended by doctors as a daily low dose for individuals who've experienced either of these health conditions.
It might also be suggested for expectant mothers if they're at risk of hypertension, have pre-existing health issues necessitating the use of aspirin, or they've had multiple miscarriages or complications during previous pregnancies.
According to the health service, the drug makes a person's blood "less sticky", with individuals often taking a dose of 75mg, although it acknowledged that occasionally, this dosage can be higher.
Guidance from the Mayo Clinic indicates that the dose can vary between 75mg and 325mg, and the risk of these cardiac problems increases with age, but the risk of bleeding due to aspirin "goes up even more".
Trump's health has been in the spotlight before, however. In October last year, reports emerged that the US President had undergone a "routine yearly checkup" at the Walter Reed Medical Centre in Bethesda, Maryland.
In a one-page memo, Barbabella stated: "President Donald J. Trump remains in exceptional health, exhibiting strong cardiovascular, pulmonary, neurological and physical performance."
He reportedly also received a Covid-19 booster jab and his annual flu vaccine. In a recent interview with the Wall Street Journal this month, Trump added: "Genetics are very important. And I have very good genetics."
You can find out more about low-dose aspirin on the NHS website here.