THEY CHANGED THE RULES!

I’m launching a new series titled “There’s an Herb for That!” We will explore common health issues, the conventional medical methods for addressing them, and healthier alternatives. This week, our focus is on the Heart, examining the challenges and frequent concerns associated with this vital organ.

Blood pressure is a common measure for evaluating heart health. For years, a reading above 140/90 indicated hypertension, with 130/80 considered “normal.” However, in 2017, the American Heart Association "changed the rules", redefining "normal" as below 120/80.

What was the immediate outcome of this change?

Suddenly, 103 million Americans were classified as having high blood pressure, up from 72 million.

For those calculating, that’s an increase of 31 million—OVERNIGHT! But there’s more!

This decision was made by a 15-member AHA panel, with 6 members having financial ties to pharmaceutical giants like Merck, Pfizer, and AstraZeneca. The SPRINT trial they cited for lowering thresholds only involved high-risk adults over 50 with existing heart issues, yet they applied the findings to everyone, including healthy young adults.

Another noteworthy point is that the American Heart Association received $30 million from pharmaceutical companies that same year.

 Let’s examine this logically. Here are some statistics:

• Blood pressure medications generated $36.7 billion globally in 2024

• Lowering thresholds expanded the market by 43%

• Only 4.2 million actually needed medication, but 31 million were labeled as "sick"

Essentially, they created patients to sell more medications. This isn’t the first time this has happened; cholesterol levels have also been frequently adjusted over the years.

So, what’s the big issue here? Beyond the increased profits for Big Pharma, here’s what they’re not disclosing about blood pressure medications:

• 18% higher risk of kidney injury

• 60% higher stroke risk with some ACE inhibitors

• Possible cognitive decline in elderly patients

• 71% increased risk of macular degeneration

As with many conventional treatments, the "cure" might be worse than the condition.

The hidden truth? Inexpensive diuretics are more effective than costly new drugs. The 2002 ALLHAT trial, conducted from 1994 to 2002, was a significant study comparing medications for treating high blood pressure. It found that thiazide diuretics were more effective than newer drugs like calcium channel blockers and ACE inhibitors in managing blood pressure and preventing heart-related issues, proving diuretics (costing mere pennies) were more effective than newer medications. Yet, doctors continue to prescribe the costly ones promoted by Big Pharma. How many of you with hypertension are on inexpensive diuretics instead of ACE inhibitors or calcium channel blockers? I rest my case.

Your blood pressure naturally increases with age due to arterial stiffness, but the information suggests it’s due to a disease, creating lifelong customers. As I’ve mentioned before, there’s no profit in making you well.

The reality is that most "high blood pressure" is linked to poor blood flow and lifestyle factors, including:

• Chronic stress

• Processed food diet

• Sedentary lifestyle

• Obesity

• Poor sleep

 By addressing these areas, we can naturally improve blood pressure. Most doctors won’t suggest these natural solutions because they don’t generate profit:

• DASH diet reduces BP by 11/6 mmHg

• 150 minutes of weekly exercise lowers it by 5-8 mmHg

• Stress management decreases it by 10-15 mmHg

• Weight loss: 1 mmHg per 2.2 lbs lost

• Magnesium supplementation

The healthcare system profits from chronic patients, not healthy individuals. By creating more "hypertensive" patients, they ensure decades of drug sales. High blood pressure is a symptom, not a disease. The natural approach is to address the root causes:

• Diet

• Stress

• Movement

• Sleep

Your body can regulate itself when given the right inputs. Need a little help? There’s an herb for that! One of my favorite herbs for heart health is Hawthorn. Tonic herbs, like Hawthorn, nourish the systems and organs they target, and I prefer them for their gentle, nourishing qualities.

Hawthorn can help lower blood pressure, enhance blood circulation, and reduce cholesterol levels. It also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. As with any herb, it should be taken under the guidance of a qualified herbalist. And PLEASE, do not stop taking any medications without consulting your doctor or natural health care practitioner first.

Don’t self-medicate. I can also help you with stress management, customized meal plans and better sleep. Schedule a Personal Consultation with me today! Let me help you nourish your heart, and LET’S GET BETTER!

LET'S TALK!