During a recent discussion about his health regimen, former U.S. President Donald Trump, now 79, shared his reasoning for taking a higher dose of aspirin. “They say aspirin helps thin the blood, and I prefer not to have thick blood coursing through my heart,” he explained. “I want nice, thin blood. Does that make sense?”

Expressing a touch of superstition, Trump mentioned he’s been on this aspirin regimen for the past 25 years. His remarks came during one of the most comprehensive interviews he’s given about his health, drawing increased attention amid ongoing scrutiny regarding his age, his fitness for office, and the transparency of his medical disclosures.

The interview also attracted further interest when Trump tried using heavy makeup and bandages to conceal a notable blemish, attempting to shield it from cameras with his other hand.

The interview appeared to be one of the most extensive conversations Trump has had with journalists on his health, as scrutiny has intensified this year over his age, fitness for office and whether he’s being sufficiently transparent with his medical information.

But it drew more attention after he began trying to cover it with heavy makeup and bandages and shield it from cameras with his other hand.

Observers have also raised concerns about swelling in his legs and his appearing to doze during public events.

Trump’s physician, Dr Sean Barbabella, told the Journal that the president takes 325 milligrams of aspirin daily.

According to Mayo Clinic, a low dose of aspirin, which “can help prevent heart attack or stroke,” ranges from 75 to 100 milligrams and 81 milligrams is commonly recommended.

The Mayo Clinic also says that for aspirin therapy, the daily dose “is usually between” 75 and 325 milligrams.

Aspirin helps thin the blood, which can prevent clots from forming, but it also comes with the risk of excessive bleeding.

In recent years, medical guidelines stopped recommending daily aspirin for many adults because the risks outweigh the benefits, and some suggest halting aspirin therapy entirely when patients are in their 70s.

CNN reached out to the White House for comment on Trump’s interview with the Journal.

Across a series of events last week, Trump, who last year became the oldest president to take the oath of office, appeared with discolouration or light bruising on the back of his left hand.

In addition to the more persistent bruise on his right hand that has been visible for months.

The White House has previously explained that the bruising on his right hand is due to constant handshaking, along with a regular regimen of aspirin that can make such discolouration more common.

While medical experts told CNN there is no fresh cause for concern, the bruising raised questions about White House’s reluctance to be more transparent about the US president’s health.

In the interview, Trump also discussed a scan he underwent in October, which he previously described to reporters as an MRI.

At the time, the president gave little detail about the procedure or what physicians were seeking to explore, telling reporters they should ask his doctors.

When asked about the scan by the Journal, Trump said it wasn’t an MRI but rather a CT scan.

Barbabella told the Journal it was done “to definitively rule out any cardiovascular issues.”

“It wasn’t an MRI,” Trump said. “It was less than that. It was a scan.”

Earlier this month, Barbabella released a memo saying the October medical imaging was of Trump’s cardiovascular and abdominal systems and that both showed “perfectly normal” results.

Trump similarly addressed steps he has taken to treat other conditions, including swelling in his lower legs that the White House announced in July was due to chronic venous insufficiency, a common condition frequently found in older people.

Trump told the Journal he tried compression socks but “didn’t like them.” He also suggested he was not interested in taking up regular exercise.

“I just don’t like it. It’s boring,” Trump said. “To walk on a treadmill or run on a treadmill for hours and hours like some people do, that’s not for me.”