Blood Pressure and the Ever-Moving Goalposts: Medical Manipulation & Profiteering
How many times has “normal” been redefined in medicine—and at what cost to your health and wallet? The shifting benchmarks of "normal" blood pressure are a case study in how the medical industry shapes public perception and treatment plans, often prioritizing profit over prevention. Let’s dive into the evolving standards of blood pressure and the broader implications of this shifting goalpost.
Blood pressure benchmarks have not remained static. They’ve shifted significantly over the decades, redefining millions of individuals as hypertensive (high blood pressure) with each change. But why?
On the surface, these updates appear to reflect advances in medical research and public health priorities. However, a deeper look reveals a troubling trend: redefining “normal” often aligns with increasing pharmaceutical sales rather than addressing root causes of hypertension. Let’s explore the evolution of these guidelines:
The Historical Progression of Blood Pressure Guidelines
1940s: "100 Plus Your Age" Rule In the mid-20th century, a common belief was that normal systolic blood pressure should be approximately equal to 100 plus a person’s age. This meant that for a 60-year-old, a systolic pressure of 160 mm Hg was considered acceptable. However, this guideline was based more on observational assumptions than rigorous scientific evidence. Over time, it became evident that higher blood pressure, even in older adults, posed significant health risks.
Cited Resource: American College of Cardiology
1970s: Recognition of Hypertension Risks By the 1970s, medical research had established a clearer link between elevated blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases. Guidelines began to recommend treatment for individuals with diastolic blood pressures exceeding 104 mm Hg, and consideration of treatment for those with readings between 90–104 mm Hg, especially in the presence of other risk factors.
Cited Resource: Oxford Academic
1993: WHO/ISH Guidelines In 1993, the World Health Organization and the International Society of Hypertension set a more standardized definition, identifying hypertension as a systolic blood pressure of 140 mm Hg or higher. This move reflected a global push toward better cardiovascular health through early detection and management.
Cited Resource: Wikipedia
2017: Updated ACC/AHA Guidelines The American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association released updated guidelines in 2017, redefining high blood pressure as readings of 130/80 mm Hg and above. This change aimed to encourage earlier intervention through lifestyle modifications and, when necessary, medication, to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events.
Cited Resource: American Heart Association
These evolving guidelines underscore the medical community's perceived commitment to refining health standards based on emerging evidence, with the goal of enhancing patient outcomes and reducing the prevalence of hypertension-related complications. But do these changes truly serve the public’s best interest?
Each shift in the benchmark brought millions more into the category of "hypertensive," conveniently aligning with the pharmaceutical industry's relentless marketing push.
The result? According to a report by The Business Research Company, the global anti-hypertensive drugs market is projected to grow from $35.8 billion in 2023 to $36.7 billion in 2024, indicating a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.5%. This data underscores the substantial and growing market for anti-hypertensive medications worldwide. The Business Research Company
But these medications never address the root causes of hypertension—factors like poor diet, stress, and sedentary lifestyles. Instead, this symptomatic approach, often inflicts grave side effects, necessitating the prescription of additional drugs to counteract these effects. This creates a vicious cycle, with every new prescription adding to Big Pharma's profit margins.
Worse yet, aggressively lowering blood pressure to fit these revised standards can harm health. Very low blood pressure is associated with higher rates of chronic illness and increased mortality. This obsession with chasing after and "managing" numbers rather than endorsing and fostering true health highlights the systemic flaws in modern medicine's approach.
Genetics and Blood Pressure
The relationship between genetics and blood pressure regulation is significant but not as dominant as it is with cholesterol, where one’s cholesterol levels are over 80% determined by family genetics. That is a narrative even more manipulating than the one surrounding blood pressure. Learn more here: The Skinny on Cholesterol: The completely False & Misleading Narrative Big Pharma Has sold you.
While genetics do play a role in blood pressure, lifestyle factors, environmental influences, and overall health also have a substantial impact. Let’s break it down:
Heritability of Blood Pressure:
Studies estimate that 30-50% of blood pressure variability is attributed to genetic factors. Specific genes influence how the body regulates sodium, fluid balance, and vascular resistance, all of which affect blood pressure.
Genetic predisposition can increase susceptibility to conditions like hypertension, especially when combined with other risk factors.
Gene-Environment Interaction:
Unlike cholesterol, where genetic factors often dominate, blood pressure is highly sensitive to lifestyle choices. For example:
Diet: High salt intake can exacerbate hypertension in people with salt sensitivity (a genetically influenced trait).
Activity Levels: Sedentary lifestyles can amplify genetic risk for high blood pressure.
Stress and Sleep: Both heavily modulate blood pressure, regardless of genetic predisposition.
Is There a True 'Normal' for Blood Pressure?
"Normal" Blood Pressure is Context-Dependent:
Historically, what’s considered “normal” has shifted (e.g., 100 + your age in the 1940s vs. <120/80 today). These changes reflect evolving research and an increased focus on disease prevention.
However, a "one-size-fits-all" normal may not be realistic. Factors like age, sex, and overall health influence optimal blood pressure:
Older adults may naturally have higher blood pressure due to arterial stiffening.
Athletes can have lower blood pressure, sometimes below the standard “normal.”
Blood Pressure Variability:
Blood pressure fluctuates throughout the day due to activity, stress, and even posture. This variability challenges the idea of a rigid "normal." As a result, the snapshot of one’s blood pressure is not the ideal way of determining if someone has chronically high blood pressure requiring intervention.
Personalized targets may be more appropriate. For example:
Patients with diabetes or kidney disease often aim for lower thresholds to minimize complications.
Some elderly individuals may be better off with slightly higher readings to ensure adequate blood flow to critical organs.
The Hidden Costs of "Better Health"
While these updates are often framed as advancements in public health, they come with significant implications:
Over-Medicalization: Each redefinition of “normal” adds millions of people to the hypertensive category, making them candidates for lifelong medication. Notice that I wrote “lifelong” medications. If these medications are truly addressing the problem the patient would return to a state of homeostasis, balance, equilibrium, and would resume a normal life. Because allopathic medicine never addresses the root problem, only the symptoms, the patients are prescribed drugs indefinitely. That’s not medicine, that’s manipulation, creating endless profits.
Pharmaceutical Profits: In 2024 alone, global sales of anti-hypertensive drugs reached $36.7 billion.
Side Effects: Blood pressure medications often come with severe side effects, such as fatigue, dizziness, and even long-term organ damage. These side effects frequently lead to additional prescriptions, compounding Big Pharma’s profit margins. This cyclical fashion of “practicing medicine” is built upon lies and a false narrative with one incentive - profiteering.
Low Blood Pressure Risks: Aggressively lowering blood pressure can harm health. Very low blood pressure is associated with chronic illnesses and higher mortality rates.
This focus on treating symptoms rather than root causes keeps patients on the pharmaceutical treadmill while neglecting more sustainable, preventive approaches.
Solution?
It’s time to take control of your health:
Address Root Causes: Focus on lifestyle factors like diet, exercise, stress management, and adequate sleep to naturally manage blood pressure.
Question the Narrative: Be skeptical of one-size-fits-all medical advice. Seek second opinions and do your research before starting long-term medications.
Explore Alternatives: Consider natural interventions such as mindfulness, nutritional changes, and targeted supplements to support cardiovascular health.
Don’t let moving goalposts dictate your health decisions. Equip yourself with knowledge, take proactive steps to address root causes, and question quick fixes that prioritize profits over your well-being.
An Invitation to Holistic Transformation
True wellness thrives at the intersection of MIND, BODY, and our PLANET / ENVIRONMENT. The SHIFT ETHOS WELLNESS PATHWAYS PROCESS is a comprehensive, structured journey that guides you through every dimension of health:
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Planet: Acknowledge that your outer environment shapes your inner health—detox your home of toxic cleaners, petroleum-based detergents, cosmetics, and other biotoxins to create a chemical-free sanctuary that supports both body and mind.
Imagine waking each day with a clear mind, energized body, and the confidence that your environment supports—not sabotages—your health.
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Love & Light to You in your continued Journey of Self-Discovery!
David
References:
UpToDate. (n.d.). Genetic factors in the pathogenesis of hypertension. Retrieved from https://www.uptodate.com/contents/genetic-factors-in-the-pathogenesis-of-hypertension
The Business Research Company. (2024). Anti-hypertensive drugs global market report. Retrieved from https://www.thebusinessresearchcompany.com/report/anti-hypertensive-drugs-global-market-report
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