Trump takes aspirin for heart in extreme doses - Doctor explains risks

Can you take aspirin for your heart like Trump?

In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, Donald Trump admitted that he takes 325 mg of aspirin daily for blood thinning, even though the recommended dose is 81 mg.

Nataliia Suslova, PhD in Medical Sciences, family doctor, therapist, and medical director of the Strong Hearts foundation, explained that in the general population, there is primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Blood-thinning medications such as antiplatelets, including aspirin, or direct anticoagulants are prescribed for these purposes.

''As of early 2026, we do not prescribe aspirin for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease to patients who are not high risk, meaning those without serious chronic illnesses or previous cardiovascular events,'' Suslova said.

She explained that the risk of side effects, especially bleeding, is much higher than the proven benefit for preventing serious cardiovascular complications.

''For patients with secondary risk factors, including diabetes, aggressive hypertension, or a history of cardiovascular events such as heart attacks or strokes, doctors prescribe dual antiplatelet therapy for at least 12 months to reduce the risk of recurring events,'' Suslova said.

The use of these medications is monitored based on blood clotting tests and the patient’s overall condition.

What is wrong with Trump’s dosage

''The currently recommended aspirin dose is 75 to 100 mg. This is enough to ensure both safety and effectiveness,'' Suslova said.

She added that there are other drugs with a higher safety profile and better effectiveness, which is why aspirin is now prescribed very carefully and should not be taken on its own.

''If a patient needs antiplatelet therapy, there are more effective and safer long-term options. It is unclear why anyone would take 325 mg of aspirin,'' the doctor said. She suggested that some patients might not respond to lower doses, in which case the medication should be replaced.

''Some patients are genetically resistant to antiplatelets, including aspirin. For them, taking aspirin is completely ineffective regardless of the dose,'' Suslova added. People over 70, especially those at high risk of bleeding, are generally advised not to take aspirin.

Regarding Donald Trump, the expert noted that it is unknown whether he has had any cardiovascular events or belongs to a very high-risk group.

''If a patient has a history of acute coronary syndrome, combination blood-thinning therapy is recommended, but not at the dosage Trump is taking,'' Suslova said.

Trump's health

The health of the 79-year-old president has increasingly attracted attention since he became the oldest president in U.S. history at the time of his inauguration. Despite Trump’s statements about being in perfect health, he has sometimes shown signs of fatigue during the campaign and official meetings, occasionally appearing to fall asleep or not hear questions right away.

In addition to revealing his aspirin use, Trump shared other personal habits in the Wall Street Journal interview. He admitted that he does not exercise regularly because he finds workouts boring. In October, he underwent a CT scan, although he previously mistakenly claimed to have had a more detailed MRI. After the procedure, White House doctors confirmed that he is in excellent shape, and his physician said he feels 14 years younger than his actual age.

Trump also confirmed that he uses special makeup to hide bruises on his hands, which appear as a result of long-term high-dose aspirin use.

Previously, Trump has drawn attention for his diet, which often includes fast food, yet he continues to insist on his stamina and ability to fulfill the duties of the president.

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