Donald Trump Blames Aspirin for Bruised Hand, Dismisses Health Concerns

US President Donald Trump has pushed back against his health concerns once again but revealed he takes a daily aspirin dose. The 79-year-old underwent a CT scan in October. Trump disclosed that he takes 325 milligrams of aspirin daily – more than his doctors recommend – and said he has resisted advice to reduce the dosage. Aspirin has well-established benefits for pain relief, fever reduction, and anti-inflammation. Still, its most significant use is in the prevention of heart attacks and strokes in specific high-risk individuals. In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, Trump insisted there is “nothing wrong” with his health. Trump also clarified that he underwent a CT scan – not an MRI – during his October visit, correcting earlier statements

in which he had described the test as an MRI and admitted he was unsure which part of his body had been examined.

What does a CT scan do?

A computed tomography, also known as a CT scan, uses rotating X-rays and a computer to create detailed cross-sectional images and 3D views of the inside of the body. It reveals bones, organs, soft tissues, and blood vessels with much greater clarity than standard X-rays, helping doctors diagnose injuries and tumours and infections and plan treatments such as surgery or radiation therapy. The scan helps in identifying infections like appendicitis, tumours, cancers, blood clots, and internal injuries from trauma. It is also helpful in guiding biopsies, surgery, and radiation therapy. A CT scan is typically faster than an MRI but provides less detailed images of soft tissue. Trump said the scan focused on his heart and abdomen and was conducted as a precaution.

Trump has been taking aspirin for 25 years

Trump also said he has been taking aspirin regularly for 25 years and was reluctant to change a long-standing routine. “They say aspirin is good for thinning out the blood, and I don’t want thick blood pouring through my heart,” Trump said. “I want nice, thin blood pouring through my heart. Does that make sense?”

What does aspirin do?

Aspirin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, or NSAID, that treats mild to moderate pain, inflammation, or arthritis. It also lowers your risk of heart attack, stroke, or blood clot. It is also used for other purposes; ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions.

Are there any side effects from aspirin?

A few side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions like skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Bleeding or bloody stools, vomiting blood or brown material that looks like coffee grounds, red or dark brown urine, small red or purple spots on skin, unusual bruising or bleeding
• Hearing loss, ringing in the ears
• Kidney injury, which means lower urine or swelling of the ankles
• Liver injury, which causes right upper belly pain
• Redness, blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
• Round red or dark patches on the skin that may itch, burn, and blister