Honestly, if you've seen a photo of Bill Clinton lately, you might have done a double-take. He’s 79 now, and he looks... different. Some folks say he looks "frail," while others point to his energy on the campaign trail as proof he’s still got it. But the real answer to the question—how is Bill Clinton’s health—is a bit more nuanced than a single headline can capture. It’s a mix of a decades-long battle with heart disease, a legendary diet overhaul, and the simple reality of being a high-octane human in his late 70s.
Let’s get the most recent news out of the way first. Just this past Christmas, Clinton had a bit of a scare. He was admitted to MedStar Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, D.C., after coming down with a nasty fever. Naturally, the internet went into a tailspin. But it turned out to be a case of the flu. He was in, he was out, and he was home in time to be the "Christmas elf" for his grandkids.
It was a reminder, though. For a man with his medical history, a "simple flu" isn't always simple.
The heart of the matter (literally)
You can't talk about Clinton’s health without talking about his heart. Most of us remember the 2004 news: quadruple bypass surgery. That’s a massive procedure. We’re talking about a guy who famously loved McDonald’s and salty snacks being told his arteries were 90% blocked.
He survived that, but the heart isn't a machine you just "fix" once.
In 2010, he had to go back under for two stents after one of his bypass veins became obstructed. That was the real wake-up call. It’s the reason he famously went "mostly" vegan. He realized that surgery can open the pipes, but it doesn't stop the gunk from building back up if you keep eating the same way.
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The 2021 Sepsis scare
More recently, in October 2021, things got dicey again. He was in California for a foundation event and ended up in the ICU with a urological infection that had spread to his bloodstream—basically, sepsis.
Sepsis is terrifying. It’s an extreme immune response that can lead to organ failure.
Fortunately, he responded well to IV antibiotics. But it highlighted a pattern: as he ages, his biggest threats aren't just his heart anymore. It’s how his body handles infections. When your immune system has to fight off a systemic infection at 75 or 79, it puts a massive strain on everything else, especially a heart that’s already been through the ringer.
That famous diet: Is he still vegan?
You’ve probably heard he’s a vegan. Well, sort of.
Clinton actually calls himself a "piscivore" or "vegan-ish" these days. On the advice of his doctors—like Dr. Dean Ornish and Dr. Mark Hyman—he started incorporating a little bit of lean protein back in. We’re talking about an occasional piece of organic salmon or an omelet. Why? To maintain muscle mass.
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When you get into your late 70s, "sarcopenia" (age-related muscle loss) is a real enemy. If you're 100% plant-based and not careful, you can lose the very muscle you need to keep your metabolism moving and your bones protected.
His daily routine looks something like this:
- Breakfast: An almond milk smoothie with berries and protein powder.
- Lunch: Massive green salads, beans, and maybe some quinoa.
- Dinner: Veggie burgers or more plant-forward dishes.
- Exercise: He still walks 2–3 miles a day and works with weights. He’s also a big fan of the exercise ball for balance.
If you see him looking "thin," it's largely intentional. He’s down about 30 pounds from his White House days. For a heart patient, being thin is a life insurance policy.
The "Frail" rumors vs. Reality
Last year, some photos circulated of Clinton in the Hamptons. People noticed a portable defibrillator nearby. Then there was a video of him "stumbling" on a New York sidewalk.
People love a conspiracy, don't they?
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But here’s the expert take: a 79-year-old man who has had a quadruple bypass should have medical support nearby. It’s not a sign of imminent collapse; it’s just smart management. As for the stumble? Honestly, have you seen the sidewalks in Manhattan? I’ve tripped on them in my 30s.
The fact that he's still traveling, writing books like Citizen, and dealing with (admittedly stressful) congressional subpoenas suggests his cognitive function and overall stamina are remarkably high for his age group.
What we can learn from Bill’s journey
Bill Clinton’s health is a case study in "proactive aging." He didn't just take his pills and hope for the best. He fundamentally changed how he lived.
If you’re looking at his story and wondering what applies to your own life—or maybe your parents' lives—there are some pretty clear takeaways. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about being consistent.
- Inflammation is the enemy. Whether it’s from a burger or a flu virus, inflammation puts stress on the heart. Getting that annual flu shot (which Clinton’s team advocates for) isn't just about avoiding a cough; it's about protecting the cardiovascular system.
- The "Pivot" is possible. You’re never too old to change your diet. Clinton did a 180-degree turn in his 60s. That bought him at least an extra decade of high-level activity.
- Monitor the plumbing. If you have a history of heart issues, "waking up pale and tired" (as he did in 2010) is a symptom, not just a bad night's sleep. He listened to his body and got the stents before he had a full-blown heart attack.
- Balance muscle and plants. If you’re going plant-based later in life, don't ignore protein. You need those "good fats" and amino acids to keep your strength up so you don't actually become frail.
So, how is he really doing? He’s a 79-year-old heart patient who is living a 60-year-old’s schedule. He has good days and bad days. He gets the flu. He trips sometimes. But by almost any clinical measure, his "healthspan"—the period of life spent in good health—has been significantly extended by his own discipline.
Next Steps for You:
Check your own "heart age" by getting a calcium scrub or a basic lipid panel. If your cholesterol is creeping up, don't wait for a bypass to consider the "Clinton diet" (beans, greens, and limited dairy). Also, if you’re over 65, make sure you’re staying current on those respiratory vaccines; as we saw this past December, a simple fever is the last thing a veteran heart needs to deal with.