Former President Donald Trump stated in an interview with The Wall Street Journal that he takes a daily aspirin dose of 325 milligrams, a practice he has maintained for 25 years. This dosage is four times higher than the 81-milligram low-dose aspirin typically recommended for cardiovascular disease prevention. Mr. Trump, 79, commented on his reasoning, stating a preference for "thin blood."
Medical Guidelines for Aspirin Use
Since 2022, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, a leading panel of disease prevention experts, has recommended against initiating daily aspirin for cardiovascular disease prevention in individuals over 60 years of age without existing underlying conditions. The task force also suggests considering discontinuation of preventive aspirin in individuals already taking it around age 75.
Aspirin Function and Recommended Dosing
Aspirin is a medication that, at low doses, reduces the production of molecules involved in blood clot formation. While commonly used for pain relief, it is also prescribed as a prophylactic medication for cardiovascular health. Experts typically recommend an 81-milligram daily dose for cardiovascular disease risk reduction, as a 2021 study indicated no additional benefit from higher doses like 325 milligrams.
Dr. Eleanor Levin, a preventive cardiologist at Stanford Medicine, noted that if an individual has tolerated a 325-milligram dose without issues, the additional risk compared to an 81-milligram dose might be minimal, though the higher dose is considered unnecessary. Certain patients, such as those who have undergone heart bypass surgery or experienced a heart attack, are advised to take low-dose aspirin indefinitely. Dr. Levin also recommends it for specific patients with asymptomatic coronary disease.
Reported Health Information and Side Effects
Mr. Trump was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency in July, and a December White House memo indicated his cardiovascular system was in "excellent health." Aspirin, while generally safer than some other blood thinners, carries a risk of bleeding, particularly in the stomach and brain. This risk increases with age and can be further exacerbated by alcohol consumption. Less severe side effects include bruising and minor cuts, which Mr. Trump has reportedly experienced and his doctor attributed to his aspirin use. Dr. Levin described these as common and generally not a cause for alarm, indicating the medication's effect.
During the interview, Mr. Trump also addressed concerns regarding his hearing and sleep. While age-related hearing loss is prevalent, aspirin can be associated with tinnitus (ringing in the ears). The drug's effect on sleep is not well-established.
Considerations for Higher Dosages
Dr. Levin stated that Mr. Trump's reported 325-milligram daily aspirin intake is likely not life-threatening, but she does not recommend higher doses if not clinically warranted. She clarified that dosages exceeding 2,400 milligrams, historically used for conditions like arthritis, are considered high-dose aspirin and carry significant safety risks. Medical professionals generally base aspirin recommendations on a discussion of risks versus benefits, adhering to established literature and studies.