02/15/2026
Manipulate the numbers....gain more customers.
The medical field has seen significant changes in the definition of "normal ranges" for various health metrics over the years. What was once considered normal, like blood pressure and cholesterol levels, has been lowered over time, leading to more people being classified as patients. In 1985, a blood pressure of over 160/100 was considered hypertensive; by 2017, it was lowered to 130/80, suddenly adding millions of patients to the system.
This trend isn't isolated to just blood pressure. Similarly, cholesterol levels once considered concerning at over 280 were adjusted in 2004 to 200, creating a larger patient pool in need of medication. This manipulation of "normal" health ranges has fueled the market for pharmaceuticals, driving sales for drugs like statins and blood pressure medications, regardless of whether these changes reflect actual health improvements.
The consequences of this shift are far-reaching. It raises concerns about whether the medical industry is more focused on increasing its market rather than focusing on true health solutions. It's vital for individuals to understand their own health metrics, focus on prevention, and not solely rely on pharmaceutical solutions pushed by manipulated health ranges. 💊📊