Kamala Harris’ Health Report: A Doctor Breaks Down the Meaning

Her love of comfy shoes has encouraged women to fully embrace a suits-and-sneakers fashion era; last week Howard Stern got her to open up about the breakfast she eats most mornings (keep reading) and her morning fitness routine: Hotel staff set up an elliptical machine in her hotel rooms on every campaign stop, where she exercises for 30 to 45 minutes while she catches up on news and daily briefings.

And it was over the weekend when the anticipated report was published on Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris’ health, bearing a signature from White House Military Office physician Dr. Joshua R. Simmons, MD, FAAEM. Dr. Simmons noted that he has served as Vice President Harris’ primary care doctor since she entered office in 2021.

In his report, Dr. Simmons affirmed: “Vice President Harris remains in excellent health.” Ahead of her 60th birthday on October 20 and with my training as a family doctor, I’m analyzing the specifics disclosed in Harris’ medical report and revisiting other previously reported details about her health.

(While releasing a candidate’s medical report has been standard practice in modern history, at press time Donald Trump’s team had yet to release his medical report—though we have reported on Donald Trump’s known health history. This week some outlets, such as Fox News, have reported that more than 200 doctors and healthcare professionals are calling on Trump to release the document.)

Kamala Harris’ health status, explained

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2024 medical update

Dr. Simmons noted Vice President Kamala Harris underwent her routine physical examination in April 2024, which confirmed that she is healthy. Her medical records show she has seasonal allergies and intermittent episodes of urticaria, also known as hives. Harris’ hives episodes are described by Dr. Simmons as “sporadic and transient,” with no identifiable triggers. He added that her allergies respond effectively to Allegra, an over-the-counter antihistamine treatment.

According to the CDC, seasonal allergies impact more than a quarter of US adults. Harris has been undergoing allergen immunotherapy for the past three years, reducing her allergy symptoms and the frequency of urticaria. Currently, her need for medications is minimal, occasionally using Atrovent for rhinitis (nasal symptoms). Dr. Simmons indicated she has no history of severe allergic reactions such as angioedema (swelling) or anaphylaxis (a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction).

Her doctor also reported Harris’ most recent annual physical examination as unremarkable, indicating no abnormalities or specific health concerns. Based on Dr. Simmons’ report, Harris has no history of chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, or any cardiac, pulmonary, neurological disorders, cancer, or osteoporosis.

Routine lab tests were conducted and returned normal results. However, Dr. Simmons notes Harris’ Vitamin D levels were found to be slightly low at 22.2 ng/mL, and she is supplementing with Vitamin D3 to support bone health. Some sources suggest 42% of adults in the US are deficient in Vitamin D.

Harris’ electrocardiogram showed a normal heart rhythm and rate and was otherwise unremarkable. Her vital signs included a blood pressure reading of 128/74 mmHg—which is well within the healthy blood pressure range—and a heart rate of 78 beats per minute, which is normal for a healthy, active adult. Dr. Simmons noted that she is at a low risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

It was also mentioned that Harris has mild myopia, or nearsightedness, which is effectively managed with contact lenses. These lenses correct her vision to 20/20, allowing her to read comfortably without the need for glasses.

Family history of colon cancer

Harris has a family history of colon cancer. Her mother, Shyamala Gopalan Harris, who was a breast cancer researcher, passed away from the disease in 2009 at the age of 70. This history increases Harris’ risk of developing colon cancer.

According to medical guidelines, individuals with a family history of colon cancer should undergo a colonoscopy at age 40 or 10 years prior to the age at which their affected relative was diagnosed, whichever comes first. Dr. Simmons has confirmed that Harris is up to date with all preventive care recommendations, including colonoscopies and annual mammograms. Her vaccinations are also up to date.

Vice President Harris’ father is still alive today at 86 years old.

COVID history

In April 2022, Harris tested positive for COVID-19. She shared via X/formerly Twitter that she was not experiencing symptoms and planned to isolate while following CDC guidelines. Harris confirmed that she was both vaccinated and had received a booster.

During her recovery, she reportedly took Paxlovid, an antiviral treatment for COVID-19. While long COVID is a potential concern for individuals who contract the virus, there have been no reports that Harris experienced any long-term effects. Common symptoms of long COVID can include fatigue, brain fog, and respiratory issues.

In July 2024, it was reported that Harris’ husband, Doug Emhoff, tested positive for COVID, but she remained negative.

Harris’ marriage to Doug Emhoff

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Harris has repeatedly shared that she and Emhoff were introduced via blind date set up by her best friend in 2013. The following year, Harris and Emhoff were wed in Santa Barbara.

When Stern in his October 8 interview asked Harris whether Emhoff had to contend with Harris’ stature, she responded: “Doug is one of the strongest, most self-actualized people I know.” Press photos often show the two expressing affection or out on walks together, while a Harvard researcher recently analyzed a century’s worth of data to find that healthy relationships are by far one of the greatest predictors of longevity.

Kamala Harris’ health habits on the daily

What insights do we have into Harris’ way of life? Dr. Simmons reveals that Harris maintains a “healthy, active lifestyle despite her busy schedule, including vigorous daily aerobic exercise and core strength training.” This regimen is in line with the American Heart Association’s guidelines, which advocate for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity weekly, plus muscle-strengthening activities on at least two days.

Dr. Simmons further describes Harris’ dietary habits as “very healthy.” While specifics of her diet were not disclosed, a generally healthy diet involves a mix of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, with limited intake of saturated fats, sugars, and sodium.

In a 2018 “I Get It Done” interview with The Cut, Harris shared that her day usually begins with an exercise session, choosing either the elliptical or SoulCycle. During the pandemic, she even improvised weights from liter water bottles to maintain her exercise routine.

Harris abstains from tobacco products and drinks alcohol “only occasionally and in moderation,” Dr. Simmons states. In line with health recommendations, the CDC advises that if alcohol is consumed, it should be in moderation—up to one drink per day for women and two for men. The World Health Organization (WHO) released a statement in January 2023 cautioning that no amount of alcohol is considered safe for consumption.

Daily diet and cooking

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For breakfast, it’s been reported Harris often chooses Raisin Bran with almond milk and tea with honey and lemon. Cereal has a notorious reputation for being high in sugar, but Harris shared that she chooses a generic brand without a lot of sugar. (She told Howard Stern that Special K is another favorite.) Harris also enjoys South Indian cuisine, a nod to her heritage on her mother’s side, with idli—soft, spongy rice cakes—accompanied by sambar, a lentil stew, being another favorite breakfast option.

Harris is a passionate home cook, a skill she developed early in life. Her mother told her that if she loved eating, she should learn to cook—a lesson Harris took to heart, learning by observing her mother who rarely used written recipes. Harris has shared that cooking Sunday dinners for her family is a cherished tradition. She also has a YouTube playlist titled “Cooking with Kamala,” where she has prepared dishes ranging from masala dosa to bacon-fried apples. She’s said that she dreams of publishing a cookbook someday, she revealed in an interview with talk show host and singer Jennifer Hudson.

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