[Marxism] Re Pressure Drop

[robert montgomery]

JFarmelant wrote:
"It should be noted that only a few years ago,
such a blood pressure would have been
regarded by most physicians as "normal,"
or at worst, "high normal."  In recent years,
the medical community has been redefining
downwards, what a normal blood pressure should
be."

This is true, and on the surface, makes sense: If one's resting
pressure is 140/90 (as in the M.Ds office)  it's now assumed that
given the stresses of everyday life, that about 1/2 the time the
pressure is actually 150/100, which is definately hypertensive and in
the treatment range. On the other hand, it's always been assumed that
pressure as registered on exam will read on the high side, since the
clinical environment raises anxiety. In my book, it comes down to the
degree of individual lability-- the tendency of blood pressure to
"jump up"-- which varies greatly from one person to another.  Most
people are not labile (i.e. 140/90 will remain constant over time).
Which brings us to big-pharma-- the drug companies. The change in
parameters has increased the sales of  anti-hypertensives
phenomenally. For the person like LP the best course is to follow the
dietary changes and increase aerobic exercise. In most cases this will
bring the pressure down. If it doesn't it's a matter of watching the
pressure. If it stays steady at 140/90 that's "borderline" (no matter
what they say now) and it's the patient's call as to whether to
medicate or not. BTW: The way to gauge your lability is to take  your
own pressure at different times of the day and plot the changes.
Either a simple cuff and stethoscope or an electronic gizmo (much
easier) will do.
BobM