President Donald Trump visited Walter Reed Medical Center on Friday. During the visit, he got a Covid vaccine and a flu shot, according to a White House memo from his doctor, Dr. Sean Barbabella.
“In preparation for upcoming international travel, President Trump also received preventive health screenings and immunizations, including annual influenza and updated COVID-19 booster vaccinations,” Barbabella wrote.
The news stood out because the CDC no longer recommends Covid shots for everyone. Now, anyone who wants one must talk to a doctor through “shared clinical decision-making,” though a prescription is not always needed.
The memo also claimed Trump’s “cardiac age” is 14 years younger than his real age of 79. “President Trump continues to demonstrate excellent overall health. His cardiac age — a validated measure of cardiovascular vitality via ECG — was found to be approximately 14 years younger than his chronological age. He continues to maintain a demanding daily schedule without restriction,” Barbabella said.
Stay up-to-date with the latest news!
Subscribe and start recieving our daily emails.
This was Trump’s second trip to Walter Reed this year. He had a physical in April that his doctor called his “annual” exam. This time, the president called it a “semi-annual” check, leaving people wondering why he needed another exam so soon.
Dr. Jonathan Reiner, a cardiologist and CNN analyst, criticized the report. “What is most apparent is that the White House medical team is concerned about something which prompted more elaborate testing today, and the report is striking in its lack of candor and transparency. It also is devoid of any data.”
The report said Trump’s test results were “stable,” but Reiner said that does not mean normal. “I can say that someone’s blood pressure is stable. All that means is the blood pressure hasn’t changed.”
Reiner also questioned the heart age tool. “It is not a clinically used tool,” he said. “Maybe it’s emerging, but what they don’t tell us are the things that matter — like basic clinical results.”
He added, “It’s more meaningful right now to understand the president’s actual cardiovascular health. What is his ejection fraction? Does his heart contract normally? What’s his blood pressure, his cholesterol? Any sign of heart attack or atrial fibrillation? Why the severe bruises on his hands, which are often caused by blood thinners? Does he take one? These are clinically meaningful questions, much more than an AI-derived heart age.”
Trump, one of the oldest U.S. presidents, has long been under scrutiny for bruises on his right hand, which he has sometimes appeared to cover with makeup. The White House says the bruises come from “frequent handshaking” and aspirin use. Officials also revealed earlier this year that he has chronic venous insufficiency, a common condition that can cause leg swelling but is manageable.
Featured image via Political Tribune Gallery
