Ailing in the Oval Office

Ill-Health, Bad President?

Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton was diagnosed with a lung infection and chose to keep it a secret. A look back into the history of presidential health issues shows, that many presidents had been fighting often more severe and in some cases incurable diseases.

For example, Franklyn D. Roosevelt had been infected with polio, resulting in a paralysis of both his legs. He hence financially supported research, which led to the creation of a vaccine. He guided Amerika through World War Two.

And then there's John F. Kennedy, who, despite his youthful image, wasn’t the healthiest president in office. Kennedy kept his diagnosis of Addison’s disease, an incurable disorder of the adrenal glands, from the public. Still, he mastered the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Those are only two examples of presidents whose health wasn’t in the best of shape. The below infographic shows that other men in the Oval Office did their job despite suffering from ill-health. A more extensive list was published by Healthline magazine.

Description

This chart shows some of the health issues selected US presidents had been afflicted with.

Download Chart
Premium statistics
Highest-valued digital health unicorns in the U.S. 2025
Major health care providers and service companies worldwide 2026, by revenue
Premium statistics
Reasons for using AI for mental health information in the United States 2026
Premium statistics
Reasons for using AI tools for health information and advice in the U.S. 2026
Premium statistics
AI use for health advice and not following up with a doctor in the United States 2026
Premium statistics
Use of AI for health information and advice in the United States 2026, by insurance

Any more questions?

Get in touch with us quickly and easily.
We are happy to help!

Do you still have questions?

Feel free to contact us anytime using our contact form or visit our FAQ page.

Statista Content & Design

Need infographics, animated videos, presentations, data research or social media charts?

More Information