Doctor explains why Trump underwent MRI during annual physical
Source: Scripps News
Posted 27 minutes ago
President Donald Trump’s doctor has released a memo explaining why an MRI was performed on the 79-year-old during his annual physical exam in October.
The memo says men in the president’s age group “benefit from a thorough evaluation of cardiovascular and abdominal health.” It adds that the imaging showed Trump is in excellent cardiovascular condition.
"President Trump's cardiovascular imaging is perfectly normal," Dr. Sean Barbabella said. "There is no evidence of arterial narrowing impairing blood flow or abnormalities in the heart or major vessels. The heart chambers are normal in size, the vessel walls appear smooth and healthy.
There are no signs of inflammation, or clotting." Barbabella also said the president’s abdominal imaging is “perfectly normal.”
Read more: https://www.scrippsnews.com/politics/the-president/doctor-explains-why-trump-underwent-mri-during-annual-physical
This guy is an osteopathic doctor (D.O. vs M.D.).
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Tetrachloride
(9,266 posts)
elleng
(141,800 posts)
Jerry2144
(3,125 posts)You mean besides not having one?
LudwigPastorius
(13,920 posts)
CountAllVotes
(22,041 posts)They can find this via an MRI scan OF THE BRAIN!
travelingthrulife
(4,026 posts)My insurance company would never have payed for a 'surveillance MRI' WTF?
Where do they get these doctors to lie for them? He clearly had a stroke or else the right side of his face is sliding off.
GB_RN
(3,481 posts)I can tell you that you don’t see that kind of lower extremity swelling without some kind of underlying condition. Given his known dietary preferences, it is highly unlikely that the underlying condition isn’t related to his heart. My guess would be (and it’s a guess, not a diagnosis as that’s illegal for me to do) right-side (aka diastolic) heart failure. When the right side can’t move blood out, over into the lungs to the left side, fluid backs up, and you get that edema you see in the picture.
The bruising on his hands is typical of someone taking a blood thinner like Coumadin (aka, warfarin): The 81mg dose of aspirin that we typically have cardiac patients take, shouldn’t cause that kind of bruising in the absence of some kind of clotting disorder or blood cancer affecting the platelets.
So, I call bullshit on everything that doc said.
Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin
(131,584 posts)among other things.
Side Effects
Common side effects of amlodipine may include:
Flushing (sudden warmth, redness, or tingly feeling)
Swelling of the legs or ankles
Dizziness or light-headedness
Fatigue
Serious side effects can occur, such as allergic reactions, worsening chest pain, or heart attack symptoms. It is important to seek medical attention if you experience severe side effects.
Though I should add I take it and have never experienced those symptoms.
Aristus
(71,411 posts)I've never seen it as severe as with Trump. It looks more like congestive heart failure.
lapfog_1
(31,503 posts)
Was this the MRI machine he used?
MustLoveBeagles
(14,107 posts)
mdbl
(7,934 posts)
eppur_se_muova
(40,626 posts)
onenote
(45,903 posts)Would insurance cover an MRI ordered for an otherwise healthy 79 year old? I doubt it since, as I understand it, such a procedure has to be medically necessary for it to be covered.
erronis
(22,190 posts)and are not covered (AFAIK) by Medicare or normal commercial health insurance.
onenote
(45,903 posts)
buzzycrumbhunger
(1,521 posts)An MRI isn’t “routine” at any age. Even if it were, they certainly wouldn’t ignore that weird rootball bouncing around inside his skull. *eyeroll*
paleotn
(21,296 posts)I doubt seriously if he asked for one.
Vinca
(53,099 posts)
Torchlight
(6,190 posts)He's not a healthy guy, it's not heresy to say as much and if someone tells me he's in perfect health., they'll need to supply the impartial evidence concluding as much, otherwise I'll continue assuming he's in Kay Granger-legislating-from-an-assisted-dementia-center territory at this time
vapor2
(3,527 posts)
AZ8theist
(7,004 posts)No 79 year old human with his diet would have a "perfectly normal" MRI of his vascular system.
By that age, everyone shows calcification of blood vessels. I'm 10 years younger with venious insufficiency as well, and I don't have a "perfectly normal" circulatory system.
More gaslighting of America.
EuterpeThelo
(151 posts)I'm 56 and been struggling with VI for eight years. When the weather is exceptionally hot or I sit too long, my ankles look like balloons.
KS Toronado
(22,400 posts)More of the same old shit..."He's the healthiest man on planet Earth" 
bluestarone
(20,913 posts)He has a magic power over all these stupid BASTARDS!!
sop
(17,075 posts)Trump: "They were perfect like my phone call where I got impeached."
Reporter: "Can you tell us what they were looking at?"
Trump: "I have no idea. It was just an MRI. It wasn’t the brain because I took a cognitive test and aced it."
bmbmd
(3,105 posts)in Internal Medicine, with forty-five years of practice behind me. I'm trying to stay viable for a few more years, so I have an annual appointment with my cardiologist, also board certified. I have had two cat scan angiograms, one in 2018 and one in January 0f 2025 which assured me of my continued good health, at least cardiac wise. I have not had an MRI of the heart, but they are readily available for patients in my area with established coronary atherosclerosis or more suspicious history and physical findings. I do not think it unusual that he underwent that particular procedure. There's obviously a ton of reliable information missing regarding his general health and visible deterioration, but this is the wrong tree to be barking up.
Native
(7,282 posts)Nasruddin
(1,157 posts)They guard their MRIs with the grit and ferocity of the French defending Paris in 1914.
If vultures aren't circling overhead, you are not getting one. Even then, they will stall.
And I have one of the best level plans with them you can get.
MRIs might be accessible to those with whatever is above platinum plans, but for normies, forget it.
Panama is nice this time of year, tho.
elleng
(141,800 posts)requested by Johns Hopkins neuro. NO big deal.
(BRAIN scans.)
yardwork
(68,699 posts)
drray23
(8,554 posts)Most adults in his age group have signs of arteriosclerosis. It's a normal part of aging. On top of this, Trump has aggravating factors such as a bad diet.
This seems to indicate he is like a 20 yr old, not a 80 yr old.
There is tons of research in this area. For example,
https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.120.14515
JoseBalow
(9,023 posts)
Wicked Blue
(8,394 posts)I don't see that mentioned in the article.
William Seger
(12,098 posts)At least, that's what #rump heard him say.
AverageOldGuy
(3,215 posts)I'll be 81 in two weeks. Never had an MRI. Should I change docs? sue my doc for malpractice?
Wiz Imp
(8,411 posts)patients. He is clearly lying. If he is willing to lie for Trump, I'd never believe a single word he told me about my health. Trump has multiple physical problems that are obvious to everyone. To try to pretend otherwise is absolute malpractice.
barbtries
(31,025 posts)There was always an INDICATION for it.
they're lying. also want to reiterate that this was his SECOND annual physical this year. so yeah
llmart
(17,196 posts)This is so much bullshit once again. Why does anyone even bother asking for information about him since it's always lies, lies, lies.
Grammy23
(6,081 posts)And who can be sure any of it is accurate or truthful. But what about his brain? And why does he speak like someone with clear signs of dementia? If it isn’t that, what is causing some of the symptoms and changes in his language skills that we are seeing every time he opens his mouth? Oh, and just for grins and giggles, tell us why he has been seen numerous times at day time events where he is obviously sleeping, napping, winking out, whatever you want to call it? Do tell.
Dixiegrrrl
(167 posts)He is a known night owl who is infamous for 2 am phone calls.
And many meds can produce sleepiness. We don't know what he takes.
Dozing off in a roomful of people suggests meds, to me.
Since he wants to keep health issues so damn secret, I am ok with him being called Sleepy Don.
MustLoveBeagles
(14,107 posts)Or this doctor is full of shit.
Wiz Imp
(8,411 posts)This doctor is clearly full of shit.
Katinfl
(569 posts)GiqueCee
(3,117 posts)... why, given the irrefutable fact that the Orange Hellbeast does have a cardiovascular condition – ya don't get cankles like his without an underlying condition – wasn't the response delivered by the board-certified cardiologist that ordered the MRI? A cardiologist was involved in this exam, right? RIGHT?
Truth, to this confederacy of dunces, is like water to the Wicked Witch of the West.
Raven123
(7,357 posts)Why do you note this? Personally and professionally, I know many M.D.s and D.O.s. There are good and bad among both. Please reconsider such comments
By the way, he trained at Portsmouth.
https://web.archive.org/web/20250623051106/https://www.vahealthprovider.com/results_edu.asp?License_No=0102050120
erronis
(22,190 posts)I don't remember how the term "Doctor of Osteopathy" became a negative. Perhaps because I am so antipathetic to "woo" medicine and "osteopathic manipulation" seemed to fit that term. I'll remain firmly anti-homeopathy, etc., however.
But with what's happening in the US medical field today, I welcome disciplines that look more at the whole body rather than 15 minute sessions (10 of which are doing paperwork) that we are accustomed to.
My cardiologist doesn't want to look at my hematology/oncology results, and visa-versa. My PCP is nothing more than a gatekeeper/secretary who refers me on to much better paid specialists.
BumRushDaShow
(164,126 posts)I had been treated by someone in a Residency of that particular school when I was diagnosed with an ovarian cyst over 15 years ago (she was freaking out a bit but then she was still getting more experience and thankfully her fears were not realized).
But making the distinction is no different than a post that differentiates dentists who are DDSs vs DMDs. It all depends on what the school awards.
bronxiteforever
(11,001 posts)barbtries
(31,025 posts)nope.
twodogsbarking
(17,083 posts)
UpInArms
(53,822 posts)The physician who officially “reads” an MRI is a radiologist, who has completed extensive post-graduate medical training dedicated to imaging. This training includes four years of medical school, a one-year internship, and a four-year residency focused entirely on diagnostic radiology. During residency, the physician learns to interpret all types of medical images, including X-rays, CT scans, ultrasound, and MRI, across all body systems.
Radiologists are trained in pattern recognition, understanding disease processes, and correlating image findings with clinical symptoms. They must identify subtle changes in tissue signal intensity and morphology that indicate the presence of disease or injury. After residency, the radiologist must pass rigorous examinations to achieve board certification.
While many healthcare providers look at images, the radiologist is the only one legally responsible for generating the official diagnostic report. This formal document details the findings and suggests possible diagnoses, which is then transmitted to the ordering physician.
The written report is the definitive interpretation, guiding patient management and treatment planning. The radiologist functions as a diagnostic consultant to the medical team, utilizing comprehensive training in anatomy, physics, and pathology.
https://scienceinsights.org/who-can-read-an-mri-the-role-of-the-radiologist/
Not an osteopath
Wiz Imp
(8,411 posts)I'm not going to believe anything about Trump's cardiovascular health which isn't coming directly from cardiologist. We all know he has vascular issues - we see his swollen cankles. He can't lie about that.
lonely bird
(2,653 posts)The differences between training for MDs and ODs is no longer a wide distinction.
There are DOs and MDs together in quality health systems such as University Hospitals in Cleveland.
Trueblue Texan
(4,082 posts)...and none of us needs an MRI to confirm it!
Playingmantis
(506 posts)He suffers from rectal cranial inversion..
Wiz Imp
(8,411 posts)First of all, every single previous doctor's report on Trump has clearly been a lie with the one doctor even admitting to it after the fact.
More importantly, though, as I found on the internet:
A competent honest doctor would never order a cardiac MRI on a perfectly healthy 79 year old. MRIs come with risks, especially for people that old.
louis-t
(24,549 posts)ever seen? 2. Was the doctor sweating while he lied through his teeth?
AllyCat
(18,416 posts)He’s still a liar.
BidenRocks
(2,590 posts)He should have ordered a CT Scan
A CT scan uses X-rays and is faster and better for viewing bone, while an MRI uses magnets and radio waves to provide more detailed images of soft tissues like ligaments, nerves, and organs. The choice depends on the condition; CT scans are often used for emergencies, bone fractures, or when a patient has metal implants, whereas MRIs are used for detailed soft tissue, ligament, or organ problems and avoid radiation. - Google AI
I would ask his doc if he would bet his license on his opinion of chumps overall health.
I didn't think so.
Our Dear Leader deserves a second opinion, just to be sure!
Nasruddin
(1,157 posts)Dr is talking about the heart, but the imaging was the chest-abdo area.
Bile duct problems? Pancreas? Not sure what might be a good MRI subject. Something's up tho.
Ms. Toad
(38,032 posts)Osteopaths are fully licensed physicians, just like M.D.s are. The last one I saw was a dermatologist. My internal medicine doctor is also an osteopathic physician.
bluestarone
(20,913 posts)Makes him so special above all Americans that he gets MRI whenever the fuck he wants one? They are ALL LYING BASTARDS!!
3Hotdogs
(14,867 posts)
nilram
(3,440 posts)And I'd be fine with just THE report from THE radiologist who read the images. (Really, the fewer pictures of TSF the better.)
Sessuch
(224 posts)
IrishAfricanAmerican
(4,373 posts)Botany
(76,037 posts)… his heart.
Lying motherfuckers..
"There is no evidence of arterial narrowing impairing blood flow or abnormalities in the heart or major vessels. The heart chambers are normal in size, the vessel walls appear smooth and healthy.
ificandream
(11,594 posts)… I have a bridge I can sell you.
Old Crank
(6,510 posts)And the scans.
Sam I Yam
(39 posts)Wasn't Jane Fonda in that?
Nasruddin
(1,157 posts)Why they are imaging the abdominal area, and then talking about the heart.
What might they be looking for?
Tree Lady
(12,943 posts)And all his fat and no inflammation?
Figarosmom
(9,288 posts)
Turbineguy
(39,700 posts)
lees1975
(6,866 posts)Thanks for not telling us the truth, so we can surmise exactly how bad off he is.
Ford_Prefect
(8,477 posts)Lithos
(26,597 posts)CAVEAT: I'm not a Doctor.
What was not released is *why* they did this test. Sometimes an MRI is used to determine brain structure to show atrophy patterns, strokes, etc. Sometimes they add an MRA (arterial version) to see if there are clots or other arterial issues that could be causing dementia. Sometimes they add an MRV to test for outflow issues, which are sometimes associated with some dementia conditions.
Ie, they use an MRI when other tests or symptoms are present, and they are looking for an answer. It's not the primary go-to diagnostic device.
flashman13
(1,836 posts)
littlemissmartypants
(31,001 posts)That I ever had care for me is a currently retired D.O. I will never find anyone who can replace her. Believe me, I've tried for ten years.
I don't know why they get a bad rap. They actually get the exact same training as M.D.'s but get additional training, use a "whole body" approach (as opposed to piecemeal specialized skills), and focus more on wellness and disease prevention.
I worked with countless doctors as a DCP in a highly specialized field and most of the M.D. variety who I met were literally pompous assh*les most of the time. (Which is usually a symptom of insecurity.)
After working thirty years in the business of so-called health care and as a patient, I remain unimpressed by most of the M.D. variety whose paths I have crossed.
Ms. Toad
(38,032 posts)The last D.O. who treated me personally was a board certified dermatologist, employed by the Cleveland Clinic. She is not the only one (either employed by the Cleveland Clinic, or by whom I have been treated personally).
Feel free to slam a D.O. (or an M.D.) because their statements and actions indicate they aren't qualified to be a physician - but the path they chose to become a licensed physician is irrelevant to their competence. Many people prefer to be treated by a D.O., because their training makes them more inclined to take a holistic approach to medicine as opposed to treating isolated body parts.
no_hypocrisy
(53,935 posts)This test is generally ordered when there is a suspicion of something wrong with a system, e.g., cardiovascular.
Think about your own protocol with your physician. You get blood studies, maybe a chest x-ray (not so much these days), an EKG (cardiogram), a stress test when you're older, etc. But not an MRI if your evaluation reveals nothing serious.
agingdem
(8,728 posts)symptoms/physiological anomalies warrant an MRI….the vindictive piece of shit supposedly had two MRI’s (head/abdomen).. so where are the reports from the neurologist and gastroenterologist?..no offense to DO’s but President Schmuck isn’t exactly the average guy waiting in line at Urgent Care ..
Deminpenn
(17,206 posts)for high cholesterol. That fact alone means he is not in "perfect" cardiovascular health. The noticeably swollen ankles forced another disclosure of "veinous insufficiency' another indication of imperfect cardiovascular health.
Fluid/blood doesn't pool in your lower legs if your heart and vascular system are working normally. You don't just nod off, either, if enough blood is getting to your brain.
Happy Hoosier
(9,327 posts)
ananda
(34,147 posts)They are really good with the lies,
but they are easy to see through.
Scalded Nun
(1,572 posts)travelingthrulife
(4,026 posts)vessels.
LetMyPeopleVote
(173,407 posts)These MRI results are sketchy
'Disconcerting': Ex-White House cardiologist deeply skeptical of 'weird' Trump MRI reveal
— Morgan Fairchild (@morgfair.bsky.social) 2025-12-02T03:51:21.667Z
www.rawstory.com/donald-trump...
https://www.rawstory.com/donald-trump-mri-under-question/
Dr. Jonathan Reiner, the late former Vice President Dick Cheney's cardiologist for nearly 30 years, pushed back on White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt's claims that President Donald Trump's MRI was apparently "preventative" during an interview with CNN.
"Well, there really is no preventative cardiac MRI," Reiner said. "This is not a standard test for, you know, an 80-year-old man to undergo advanced imaging. Of course, the whole note has kind of a weird, defensive, you know, evasive tone to it. First of all, this is not part of the president's comprehensive physical examination."....
"He had that in April, and then he underwent some more testing in July," Reiner said. "If you look at his first administration, the president, like most presidents, only underwent one comprehensive physical exam every year. So this comes completely off-cycle. Second, it's filled with euphemisms. Again, Dr. Barbara Bell, the president's physician, states that he underwent advanced imaging. Well, what specific advanced imaging did the president have? Was it an MRI, as the president said? Was it a CT [scan]? Did he have both? Why not just spell it out?"
Reiner explained how the administration could have his doctor or health official describe what happened.
"It's as if a patient came in for a chest x-ray, and then I only told people that the patient underwent simple radiologic imaging. Just, you know, just spell it out," he added. "This is, again, not part of a comprehensive screening, particularly, you know, abdominal imaging. Why would someone undergo a preventive, quote, preventative MRI imaging or CT imaging of the abdomen? This obviously was performed in response to some clinical concern, which is fine."
The MRI could have been out of a health concern — and the American people deserve to know that, Reiner explained.
"Things happen to people as, you know, as we all get older. And the president is almost 80. So instead of this kind of evasive, almost laughable kind of note. Just spell out what happened. I hope the imaging is normal and great. That would be excellent news. But this kind of piece-by-piece, drip-by-drip release of information is disconcerting," Reiner said.
returnee
(766 posts)….heart disease begins at a young age. Given that TSF’s diet is probably worse than standard there’s little change he has zero signs of heart disease. I don’t refer to him as The Sick Fuck for just his mental status.