- 2018 physical revealed cholesterol levels nearly 50% above guidelines
- Hospitalized for COVID-19 in 2020 with critical oxygen depletion
- 2024 medical report claims weight loss and improved cardiovascular health
- Survived 2024 assassination attempt with gunshot wound to right ear
Former President Donald Trump's latest physical examination at Walter Reed Medical Center has reignited discussions about presidential health transparency. At 78, Trump remains one of the oldest candidates to seek the Oval Office, with medical professionals emphasizing the importance of rigorous health monitoring for leaders in this age bracket.
The 2018 evaluation disclosed concerning cardiovascular metrics, including LDL cholesterol levels approaching 150 mg/dL - substantially higher than the 100 mg/dL threshold recommended by the American Heart Association. Medical analysts note that sustained high cholesterol increases stroke risk by 27% in patients over 70, according to Johns Hopkins research.
Trump's COVID-19 hospitalization in October 2020 revealed critical vulnerabilities. Internal reports indicate his blood oxygen saturation dropped below 94% - the clinical threshold for hypoxemia - requiring experimental antibody treatments. This aligns with CDC data showing patients over 65 face 23x higher mortality rates than younger adults.
The Butler assassination attempt introduced new medical complexities. Emergency protocols at Butler Memorial Hospital demonstrated Pennsylvania's Level III trauma center capabilities, with Trump receiving immediate imaging scans. Regional healthcare experts confirm this rapid response prevented potential auditory damage from the ear wound.
Trump's 2024 health letter cites a 6-pound weight reduction through modified dietary habits and golf-based exercise routines. However, nutritionists caution that BMI remains a flawed metric, particularly for muscular individuals. The former president continues preventative regimens including statin therapy and low-dose aspirin.
Political historians draw parallels to Reagan's 1987 prostate surgery, noting increased public demand for leader health disclosures. While Trump's team emphasizes cognitive test excellence, geriatric specialists advocate for standardized neurological evaluations in all presidential candidates over 70.