President Biden is the Picture of Good Health, His Doctor Reports

FRIDAY, Feb. 17, 2023 (HealthDay News) – In a routine physical that will likely be the last before he announces whether he’ll run again, President Joe Biden was found to be both healthy and vigorous.

White House physician Dr. Kevin O’Connor released the report after Biden's exam, which happened Thursday at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.

A small lesion was removed from Biden’s chest. It will be biopsied, the report noted.

Biden also continues to have a “stiff gait,” for which he was prescribed custom orthotics for his feet, the report said. His previous physical in 2021 had also noted the issue.

The exam was thorough, covering his head, ears, eyes, nose and throat. It was noted that he is 6 feet tall and weighs 178 pounds, which is six pounds less than two years ago. His blood pressure was 128/77. He does not drink or use tobacco.

Biden also had an “extremely detailed” neurologic exam that found nothing consistent with stroke, multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease. The report did not say whether he had any cognitive tests.

It did note two other health conditions. In one, Biden clears his throat often, described as ““occasional symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux.”

In the other, Biden is being treated for non-valvular atrial fibrillation, which is an irregular heartbeat. O’Connor said the condition causes Biden no symptoms.

O’Connor also noted Biden’s infection with COVID-19 in summer 2022. His blood oxygen levels never fell below 97%, O’Connor said. His vital signs were normal throughout the illness. He does not have symptoms of long COVID.

Thursday's physical was the second performed since Biden became president.

Conservative critics have questioned Biden’s age and health, CNN reported. He would be 86 at the end of a potential second term if he runs.

When asked about his stamina, he has said, “Watch me,” CNN reported.

More information

The National Library of Medicine has more on gastroesophageal reflux disease.