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In a series of recent public statements, former President Donald Trump has repeatedly mentioned his practice of taking a “large” daily dose of aspirin to prevent cardiovascular disease, potentially reinforcing misconceptions about appropriate aspirin use for heart health.
Trump first brought up his aspirin regimen in January when a reporter asked about visible bruising on his hand. “I take the big aspirin,” Trump explained, adding that doctors had warned him about bruising as a side effect. According to The Wall Street Journal, Trump’s physician confirmed the former president takes 325 milligrams of aspirin daily for “cardiac prevention” – significantly higher than the typical low-dose, or “baby,” aspirin of 81 milligrams.
“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 in an October interview. “I want nice, thin blood pouring through my heart.” The 79-year-old has claimed he’s taken aspirin for 30 years without experiencing heart attacks or heart disease.
While Trump has acknowledged that his aspirin use may deviate from standard medical advice, his comments highlight a common misunderstanding about appropriate aspirin usage for cardiovascular health.
Dr. Sean Barbabella, Trump’s physician, provided a statement indicating the president takes 325 milligrams of daily aspirin “to maintain his exceptional cardiovascular health.” Barbabella added that Trump’s cardiovascular health puts him “14 years younger than his age.”
However, current medical guidance paints a more nuanced picture about aspirin’s role in cardiovascular health. Aspirin reduces blood clotting by making platelets less sticky, potentially lowering cardiovascular risk. But this same mechanism increases bleeding risks, creating a delicate balance between potential benefits and harms.
As early as 2014, the Food and Drug Administration concluded that evidence doesn’t support using aspirin as a preventive measure for people who haven’t experienced cardiovascular problems – what doctors call “primary prevention.” The agency emphasized that while benefits remain unestablished in such cases, serious risks like brain or stomach bleeding persist.
Subsequent research has further clarified this risk-benefit equation. Since 2019, the American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association have recommended that aspirin “should be used infrequently in the routine primary prevention” of cardiovascular disease due to “lack of net benefit.”
“Most people without known cardiovascular disease like a prior heart attack, stroke, or blockages in major arteries, do not need aspirin,” explains Dr. Ann Marie Navar, a preventive cardiologist at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. “This will increase their risk of bleeding problems – not just bruising but bleeding in the stomach or gut.”
Trump’s situation presents additional complexities. In 2018, his physician revealed the president had completed a coronary artery calcium test with a moderately high score of 133, suggesting some degree of plaque buildup in his arteries. Dr. Donald Lloyd-Jones, chief of preventive medicine at Boston University, indicated that given this history, low-dose aspirin might be reasonable – but the high dose “is certainly not needed or indicated.”
Public misconceptions about aspirin remain widespread. A survey conducted last year by the Annenberg Public Policy Center found nearly half of U.S. adults incorrectly believe that the benefits of low-dose aspirin for cardiac prevention outweigh the risks.
Current guidelines from both the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force do not broadly recommend aspirin for primary prevention. For adults 40-59 with elevated risk, the decision should be individualized, with recognition that potential benefits are small. For those over 60 without existing cardiovascular disease, aspirin is generally not recommended at all.
These recommendations evolved following three large clinical trials published in 2018 involving more than 47,000 patients. The studies found little cardiovascular benefit to offset increased bleeding risks in most primary prevention scenarios.
Medical experts note that improved management of other cardiovascular risk factors – through blood pressure medications, statins, and smoking cessation – has reduced the relative benefit of aspirin while its bleeding risks remain unchanged.
Importantly, for those who have already experienced heart attacks, strokes or received stents – what doctors call “secondary prevention” – low-dose aspirin remains strongly recommended. Even in these cases, however, the higher 325 milligram dose hasn’t shown greater effectiveness than the standard low dose, and may increase bleeding risks.
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7 Comments
While Trump’s enthusiasm for aspirin is understandable, his comments highlight the need for better public education around appropriate use of the drug. Aspirin can be an effective preventative measure, but dosage and individual factors must be carefully considered with a doctor’s guidance.
Trump’s comments about his aspirin use seem well-intentioned, but it’s crucial that people consult their physicians before starting any new medication regimen, even over-the-counter drugs like aspirin. Improper use could potentially do more harm than good.
You’re absolutely right. Aspirin is not a one-size-fits-all solution, and self-medicating without medical advice can be risky. It’s important for everyone, including public figures, to be cautious and transparent about their health practices.
Trump’s aspirin regimen raises some interesting questions about the public’s understanding of heart health management. It’s a complex issue, and I hope this incident leads to more nuanced discussions about the proper role of aspirin and other medications.
Agreed. Responsible reporting and public dialogue on this topic could help improve health literacy and encourage people to have open discussions with their healthcare providers. Promoting accurate, evidence-based information is key.
Trump’s comments about his aspirin use are a good reminder that over-the-counter medications should be approached with caution. Consulting a doctor is essential, especially for those with pre-existing conditions or taking other medications. Responsible use of aspirin is important for heart health.
Trump’s daily high-dose aspirin regimen is an interesting case. While aspirin can help prevent heart attacks, the dosage and individual factors need to be carefully considered with a doctor’s guidance. It will be important for the public to understand the nuances around aspirin use for heart health.