Dr. Boz: ‘The Great High Blood Pressure Scam’

About this video

• Video Title: Dr. Boz: ‘The Great High Blood Pressure Scam’
• Channel: Physionic
• Speakers: Not specified
• Duration: 00:27:58

Overview

This video examines Dr. Boz's claim that current high blood pressure guidelines and studies are a "scam." The presenter analyzes a Cochrane Review that evaluated blood pressure targets, comparing its findings to the influential SPRINT study. The video discusses potential biases in studies, the difference between relative and absolute risk, and the implications of these findings for cardiovascular health recommendations.

Key takeaways

• The Cochrane Review, a larger analysis than the SPRINT study, suggests that lowering blood pressure below 135/85 in individuals with hypertension and cardiovascular disease may not significantly reduce mortality or cardiovascular events compared to older, less stringent targets.
• A key distinction is made between relative risk and absolute risk. While a relative risk increase might sound alarming (e.g., 26%), the absolute risk increase can be much smaller when considering the overall population studied.
• Potential biases in clinical trials, such as pharmaceutical funding and early termination, are discussed as factors that can influence study outcomes.
• The video questions the interpretation of studies that show a small absolute risk reduction, arguing that over time, these small reductions might accumulate.
• The presenter highlights that while the Cochrane Review found no benefit in mortality for lower blood pressure targets, there was a very close margin to statistical significance for cardiovascular events, suggesting further research is needed.
• The video concludes that aggressively lowering blood pressure, especially through pharmaceutical means, may not be warranted for all patients, and non-pharmaceutical methods are likely a more prudent approach for now, given the ongoing research.