US President Trump is heading back to Walter Reed, and the timing is raising eyebrows. Trump faces renewed scrutiny over his health as he schedules his third hospital visit in just over a year.
Donald Trump to visit hospital for ‘annual’ checkup
Donald Trump will visit Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Tuesday for a medical examination. NPR reports the White House announced the “routine annual dental and medical assessment” two weeks ago. Officials described the visit as “part of his regular preventive health care.”
Trump, who turns 80 in June, remains the oldest person to take the oath of office. This marks his third visit to Walter Reed in 13 months. His last annual physical took place in April of last year. The frequency of these visits has raised questions about the president’s health and fitness. Swollen ankles and bruised hands have drawn repeated scrutiny during presidential appearances. Trump attributed the bruising on his hand to taking too much aspirin in a January interview.
Last summer, doctors diagnosed Trump with chronic venous insufficiency. The condition occurs when veins become damaged and are unable to return blood to the heart. White House physician Capt. Sean Barbabella said Trump “remains in excellent overall health.”
Dr. Byron Lee, a professor of cardiovascular medicine at Stanford University, offered a perspective on the visit. “It’s very common to get annual physicals when you get to his age,” Lee said. He noted that Trump’s frequent use of aspirin warrants attention.
“We don’t often routinely recommend it anymore unless you have risk factors for stroke or heart disease,” Lee said. He added that chronic venous insufficiency “could be a sign of other things going on.” Lee praised Trump’s active schedule as beneficial for his overall health. “There are many people, like the president, who are very active in their eighties,” Lee said. He also expressed hope that Trump continues to manage his weight.
The White House did not respond to detailed questions about Tuesday’s examination. Officials instead referred reporters to the earlier announcement about the visit.
