NEW YORK (VINnews) — A prominent American cardiologist who treated former Vice President Dick Cheney for nearly three decades has raised concerns about President Donald Trump’s physical and cognitive health, arguing that greater transparency is needed regarding the president’s medical condition.

In an opinion article published last week in The New York Times, Dr. Jonathan Reiner, a professor of medicine and surgery at George Washington University and Cheney’s longtime cardiologist, questioned whether Trump’s public appearances are consistent with the White House’s assurances that the president is in excellent health.

Trump, who recently celebrated his 80th birthday, has been described by his personal physician as being in “excellent health.” However, Reiner wrote that several publicly observable symptoms warrant closer scrutiny.

Among the issues he highlighted were prominent bruising on both of Trump’s hands, which the White House has attributed to frequent handshakes combined with aspirin use. Reiner argued that this explanation is not medically convincing.

He also pointed to significant swelling in the president’s legs, saying it could indicate underlying heart or kidney disease rather than the chronic venous insufficiency cited by the White House.

Reiner further referenced several instances in which Trump appeared to struggle to stay awake during official meetings in the Oval Office, describing the episodes as consistent with excessive daytime sleepiness.

The cardiologist also questioned why Trump reportedly underwent advanced imaging scans of his heart and abdomen at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center without a detailed public explanation of the medical reasons for those tests.

In addition, Reiner asked why an unusually large team of 22 medical specialists participated in what was described as the president’s routine medical examination.

He also questioned Trump’s repeated references to performing well on a basic cognitive screening test, noting that such tests are generally administered only when family members or healthcare providers have reason to suspect cognitive impairment.

Reiner argued that, unlike commercial airline pilots, military personnel or even school bus drivers, the president of the United States is not legally required to demonstrate medical fitness to remain in office.

Given what he described as the lack of transparency surrounding the president’s health, Reiner called for legislation establishing an independent congressional medical commission to evaluate the health of sitting presidents under the framework of the 25th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

He said such a body would provide Americans with greater transparency and confidence regarding the president’s ability to carry out the duties of the office.