Written by Jennifer Wolff-Gillispie HWP, LC
Edited by Nicki Steinberger, Ph.D.
EDITOR’S SUMMARY: Evolving guidelines for blood pressure and cholesterol levels have redefined how cardiovascular risk is assessed, often steering treatment toward medication rather than addressing lifestyle drivers. While these revisions are supported by large-scale clinical trials, they also raise important questions: Are they improving long-term health, or simply expanding the definition of disease? Attention turns to how medical standards have shifted over time, what the numbers truly indicate, and what’s potentially being missed when treatment overshadows prevention.
Over the past century, the medical community has progressively lowered the diagnostic thresholds for blood pressure and cholesterol levels, redefining what is considered normal or pathological. This shift has led to a significant increase in the number of individuals diagnosed with hypertension (high blood pressure) and hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol), resulting in widespread pharmacological interventions. While these changes were intended to improve public health outcomes, they have raised concerns about over-medicalization, the potential for unnecessary treatments, and the long-term health implications of such widespread interventions. To find answers, you are invited to examine the historical evolution of blood pressure and cholesterol guidelines, the scientific evidence that supported these changes, and the broader implications for the future of public health.
While the evaluation and subsequent definition of what constitutes normal blood pressure and cholesterol levels has been a pivotal development significantly influencing the direction in modern medicine, the evolution of these numbers has not been without contention. The progressive lowering of diagnostic thresholds for blood pressure (BP) and cholesterol over the past century has significantly altered the care for cardiovascular health in America (and perhaps the world), thereby expanding the market for antihypertensive and cholesterol-lowering medications. Although medications to treat these conditions can successfully lower BP and cholesterol levels, they carry the risk of side effects, while not addressing the underlying causes of these conditions. This over-reliance on medication, without concurrent dietary and lifestyle interventions, has contributed to a cycle of over-medicalization, where individuals are treated for risk factors or symptoms rather than root causes.
Moreover, the emphasis on pharmacological treatments has overshadowed the importance of making healthy choices. Consistent physical activity, eating organic pasture-raised animal products, including—and not avoiding—healthy fats, and steering clear of ultra-processed foods are all essential for supporting cardiovascular health. Neglecting these dietary interventions in favor of drugs has not only failed to reverse the trend of rising cardiovascular disease, but may have inadvertently exacerbated it by not addressing the foundational factors that are actually contributing to these health issues.
The Persistence of Lowered Risk Markers
Despite growing concerns about treatment strategies, conventional medicine remains committed to these lowered diagnostic targets. This stance is largely driven by accumulating research and large-scale clinical trials, reinforcing their role as the cornerstone of cardiovascular risk management. The decision to lower the threshold for what is considered “high” blood pressure—from 140/90 mm Hg to 130/80 mm Hg, as recommended by the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and the American Heart Association (AHA) in 2017—was based on a growing body of evidence showing that cardiovascular risks begin to rise significantly even at these lower levels. One of the most influential studies leading to this change was the Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT), which found that more intensive control of systolic blood pressure (targeting <120 mm Hg rather than <140 mm Hg) resulted in significantly lower rates of major cardiovascular events and mortality. The study concludes:
“At a median of 3.33 years of follow-up, the rate of the primary outcome and all-cause mortality during the trial were significantly lower in the intensive-treatment [systolic blood pressure, <120 mm Hg] group than in the standard-treatment group [systolic blood pressure, <140 mm Hg].”
Similarly, for cholesterol management, the revision of LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol markers has been grounded in evidence linking lower LDL levels with reduced cardiovascular risk. The 2018 AHA/ACC cholesterol guidelines emphasized a shift from fixed target numbers to a risk-based approach, but also supported more aggressive treatment in high-risk individuals. Landmark studies such as the FOURIER and IMPROVE-IT trials demonstrated that even when LDL cholesterol is reduced below previously accepted levels (e.g., below 70 mg/dL), patients—especially those with a history of cardiovascular disease—continue to benefit from reduced incidence of heart attacks and strokes. These findings reinforce the view that the earlier (higher) thresholds may have been too lenient, potentially allowing preventable disease progression.
Experts argue that these changes are not arbitrary or commercially driven, but instead reflect an evolving understanding of how cardiovascular disease develops over time. Both blood pressure and cholesterol operate on a continuum, meaning there is no clear-cut threshold where problems begin; rather, lower values are generally associated with better long-term outcomes. According to Dr. Paul Whelton, lead author of the 2017 hypertension guidelines:
“The upper end of what was previously pre-hypertension or in earlier guidelines, high-normal blood pressure, we didn’t like those terms because it suggests that you’re still ok, you’re pre-hypertension, you don’t have it yet you’re high-normal but you’re normal. And it was clear from the information that’s available now that you’re not normal, you’re in that stage 1 category at about twice the risk for a heart attack as someone with a normal blood pressure so that’s why we changed it.”
While these lowered thresholds aim to catch risk earlier, they have sparked ongoing debate about their impact and accuracy. To understand why these numbers have shifted—and why that matters—it helps to first explore what blood pressure really is and how its measurement has evolved over time.
Understanding Blood Pressure
Systolic and Diastolic Measures
Blood pressure is a vital sign and key indicator of cardiovascular health, representing the force that circulating blood exerts on the walls of your body’s blood vessels. It is typically measured using two numbers: systolic and diastolic pressure. Systolic pressure—the first (and often higher) of the two values—reflects the pressure in the arteries when the heart contracts and pumps blood out to your body. Diastolic pressure, the lower number, indicates the pressure in the arteries when your heart is at rest between beats. Blood pressure readings are expressed as systolic over diastolic—for example, 120/80 mmHg. “MmHg” stands for millimeters of mercury, a reference to early barometers that used mercury to measure pressure. A reading around 120/80 mmHg is often cited as ideal, though current guidelines define normal as less than 120 systolic and less than 80 diastolic. Readings with systolic between 120 and 129 and diastolic less than 80 are now considered “elevated.” Once diastolic reaches 80 or higher, or systolic hits 130 or above, the reading is classified as high blood pressure. Hypertension is often called the “silent killer” because it can develop without noticeable symptoms but significantly increases the risk of serious health issues, including heart attack, stroke, kidney damage, and other cardiovascular complications.
The Evolution of Blood Pressure Standards
In the 1940s, a common guideline for normal systolic blood pressure was 100 + your age, suggesting that a 50-year-old could have a normal systolic blood pressure reading of 150 mmHg. At that time, less attention was given to the diastolic value, which was often assessed based on empirical observation and clinical judgment—with a typical target range between 90 and 100 mmHg. By the 1970s, the threshold for normal blood pressure was set at 160/95 mmHg. The standard tightened again to 140/90 mmHg in the 2000s. From 2017 to the present, the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association redefined normal to below 120/80 mmHg, categorizing 120–129/80 mmHg as elevated and 130/80 mmHg as Stage 1 hypertension. This progressive lowering of blood pressure thresholds has led to an increase in the number of individuals diagnosed with hypertension, thereby expanding the market for antihypertensive medications. This change reclassified an additional 30 million U.S. adults as hypertensive, aiming to promote earlier intervention and awareness. The new guidelines introduced categories named “elevated,” “Stage 1,” and “Stage 2” hypertension, reflecting a more graduated approach to blood pressure management. Yet the question remains: were these changes driven by public health interests or by the pharmaceutical industry’s agenda?
The Financial Incentive: A $36.7 Billion Market
In 2024, the global antihypertensive drug market was valued at $36.7 billion, with projections indicating growth to $40 billion by 2028. This expansion is largely fueled by an aging population, rising rates of hypertension diagnosis, and the widespread promotion and adoption of conventional preventive medicine, which increasingly frames medication as the first step in addressing potential health problems. Yet this financial growth is not without pushback. Critics argue that the boundaries of what constitutes high blood pressure have steadily shifted downward, pulling more individuals into the realm of chronic medication. This has prompted concerns about therapeutic excess—the treatment of otherwise mild or borderline conditions—and the pharmaceutical industry’s growing role in shaping clinical definitions.
Adding to the criticism is the concern that pharmaceutical influence may be subtly guiding diagnostic criteria, creating a self-perpetuating market for lifelong medication. Medical panels responsible for setting hypertension guidelines often include individuals with financial ties to drug manufacturers, raising questions about objectivity. When diagnostic thresholds are lowered, millions more people are suddenly labeled as hypertensive, even if their risk of cardiovascular events remains minimal. This reclassification not only inflates prescription numbers but may also expose patients to unnecessary side effects, psychological stress, and dependency on drugs with limited marginal benefit. As Dr. John Abramson—a Harvard Medical School graduate and respected faculty member—has pointed out, redefining guidelines and setting standards of care based on flawed data, half-truths, or corporate interests can turn otherwise healthy individuals into patients. This strategy of prioritizing profit over public health has eroded trust in the medical system. In an interview with Hillsdale College he stresses this connection:
“Big Pharma is comprised of for-profit companies. The job of for-profit companies is to maximize returns to their investors. Accusing drug companies of being greedy is like accusing zebras of having stripes. They are doing their job, and we’re not going to change them. So it is our job—not only doctors, but the American people as a whole—to insist on guardrails to ensure that the pharmaceutical industry serves, rather than harms, public health.”
You may be diagnosed with high blood pressure when, in reality, the elevated numbers are caused by other medications you’re taking. Both prescription and over-the-counter drugs can raise blood pressure. Some of the most common offenders include the following:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen can cause fluid retention and kidney function changes, leading to increased blood pressure.
- Corticosteroids like prednisone can cause sodium and fluid retention, elevating blood pressure.
- Decongestants such as pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine constrict blood vessels, raising blood pressure.
- Hormonal medications, including birth control pills and hormone replacement therapies containing estrogen, can increase blood pressure in some individuals.
- Stimulants used for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, such as methylphenidate and amphetamines can raise heart rate and blood pressure.
- Antidepressants, including venlafaxine and tricyclics, have been associated with increased blood pressure, especially at higher doses.
- Weight loss medications like phentermine and sibutramine can elevate blood pressure and heart rate.
- Immunosuppressants such as cyclosporine and tacrolimus can also increase blood pressure.
- Thyroid hormone replacements, when taken in excess, can lead to elevated blood pressure.
- Substances like caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, certain herbal supplements (including licorice and ephedra), as well as stress can raise blood pressure.
While the above list is not exhaustive, it’s easy to see how medication for an unrelated condition could be overlooked as the true cause of elevated blood pressure. This should be one of the first factors you and your doctor consider if you’re diagnosed with high blood pressure.
Side Effects and the Cycle of Medication
While antihypertensive medications are effective in lowering blood pressure, they also come with a range of side effects. These adverse reactions can lead to additional prescriptions to manage new health issues, creating a cycle where you are increasingly medicated without addressing underlying causes. For instance, calcium channel blockers, commonly prescribed for hypertension, can cause symptoms like ankle swelling and heart rate changes. Similarly, angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) such as losartan may elevate potassium levels and impact kidney function. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEs), another class of antihypertensive drugs, can lead to a persistent dry cough, elevated potassium levels, and potential kidney impairment. Before starting blood pressure medication, consider other drugs you’re taking along with your diet and lifestyle, as all of these can contribute to unwelcome and sometimes unexpected reactions. In the 2020 academic article, “Treatments for COVID-19: emerging drugs against the coronavirus – reply,” this was revealed:
“Reserpine is an old, well known anti-hypertensive drug, with a peculiar ability to counteract the sympathetic nervous system at both central and peripheral levels. Mechanistically, it inhibits the vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2), preventing the accumulation of catecholamines and serotonin into the synaptic vesicles of the adrenergic neurons.”
Simply put, the drug Reserpine stops certain crucial brain chemicals responsible for regulating mood, motivation, alertness, and emotional balance (like dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin) from being stored properly inside nerve cells. Because they’re not held, they can’t be released when needed, so their overall levels and activity go down. Interestingly, according to the controversial book “The God Gene: How Faith is Hardwired into Our Genes,” by author Dean Hamer, variations in the VMAT2 gene “plays a role in one’s openness to spiritual experiences.” Dysregulation of VMAT2 is also responsible for a heightened state of fear and anxiety. Angiotensin receptor blockers however may be even worse. According to the terrifying headline, “Popular hypertension drug linked with suicide”:
“Our findings suggest a possible increased risk of suicide associated with the use of ARBs compared with ACEIs [Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors] among adults aged 66 years and older.”
Cholesterol: Essential for Health, Not the Enemy
Cholesterol is a vital lipid molecule that performs numerous critical functions in the body, many of which are essential for maintaining overall health and physiological balance. It is a fundamental component of cell membranes, contributing to their fluidity and structural integrity. By regulating the packing of phospholipids, cholesterol helps maintain membrane stability, ensuring proper function and resilience to environmental changes.This structural role is crucial to maintaining normal cell behavior, as it influences membrane permeability and the activity of membrane-bound proteins.
In addition to stabilizing cell membranes, cholesterol serves as a precursor for the synthesis of steroid hormones, including estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, cortisol, and aldosterone. These hormones regulate various physiological processes such as metabolism, immune response, and stress adaptation. For example, cortisol plays a key role in your body’s response to stress and inflammation, while aldosterone helps regulate sodium and potassium balance, influencing blood pressure. The synthesis of these hormones begins with cholesterol, highlighting its importance in endocrine function.
Cholesterol’s Role in Longevity and Immune Function
Recent research has increasingly challenged the conventional view of cholesterol solely as a cardiovascular risk factor, emphasizing its potential benefits in promoting longevity. Several observational studies, particularly in older populations, have found that individuals with higher total cholesterol levels often exhibit better survival rates compared to those with lower levels. In fact, in the Natural News article, “High cholesterol means longer life,” they state:
“High cholesterol isn’t a bad thing, and having [too] little of it actually increases one’s risk of developing a chronic illness or dying.”
These findings suggest that cholesterol may offer protective benefits beyond heart health—contributing to physiological resilience and lowering susceptibility to infections. Notably, low cholesterol levels have, in some cases, been associated with higher mortality in the elderly, underscoring the need for a more nuanced understanding of its role across the lifespan. Cholesterol also plays a vital part in immune system function. It is a key structural component of all cellular boundaries, including those of immune cells, where it helps maintain integrity and facilitates communication. Moreover, cholesterol is necessary for the production of steroid hormones such as cortisol and sex hormones, which are critical in modulating immune and inflammatory responses. Emerging evidence suggests that adequate cholesterol levels may enhance your body’s ability to respond to infections and recover from illness, indicating that cholesterol supports more than just metabolic health—it also underpins immune resilience. As such, this evidence has prompted a reevaluation of the blanket approach to cholesterol management, especially in populations where its benefits may outweigh previously assumed risks.
Beyond its other functions, cholesterol is involved in the production of vitamin D when the skin is exposed to sunlight. This process is vital for bone health, as vitamin D facilitates the absorption of calcium and phosphate, minerals essential for bone formation and maintenance. Inadequate levels of vitamin D can lead to bone disorders such as rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults. Approximately 25% of your body’s cholesterol is found in your brain, where it plays an essential role in the formation and maintenance of synapses and myelin sheaths, supporting cognitive functions and neural communication. Cholesterol-rich myelin sheaths insulate nerve fibers, facilitating the rapid transmission of electrical signals between neurons. This is vital for proper nervous system function, including memory, learning, and motor control.
Furthermore, cholesterol is essential for the production of bile acids in your liver. These acids are necessary for the digestion and absorption of dietary fats in the small intestine. They emulsify fats, breaking them down into smaller droplets that enzymes can more easily assimilate. This process is crucial for the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K, which are key players in various bodily functions, including vision, immune response, and blood clotting.
The Cholesterol Controversy: Ancel Keys and the Diet-Heart Hypothesis
Dr. Ancel Keys, a prominent American physiologist, significantly influenced 20th-century dietary guidelines through his “diet-heart hypothesis,” positing that saturated fat intake raises cholesterol levels and increases the risk of heart disease. However, subsequent scrutiny has revealed methodological flaws and selective data interpretation in his research, casting doubt on the validity of this theory. In the 1950s, Keys initiated the “Seven Countries Study,” aiming to explore the relationship between dietary fats and heart disease across various populations. Critics argue that Keys selectively included countries that supported his hypothesis while excluding those that did not. For instance, France, which had high saturated fat consumption but low heart disease rates, was omitted from the study. Additionally, certain data collection occurred during periods of Lent in Greece, potentially skewing results due to temporary dietary restrictions. Further analysis of the data revealed inconsistencies, such as variations in cholesterol levels among participants on similar diets, challenging the direct link between saturated fat and heart disease.
Another of Keys’ studies, the “Minnesota Coronary Experiment,” tested the effects of replacing saturated fats with polyunsaturated fats from corn oil. Despite initial reductions in cholesterol levels among participants consuming corn oil, the study found no corresponding decrease in heart disease deaths. In fact, older participants in the corn oil group had higher mortality rates, and autopsies revealed no significant differences in arterial health compared to those consuming saturated fats. These findings remained unpublished for decades, raising questions about transparency and the interpretation of data.
The Dangers of Cholesterol-Lowering Medications
Statins, widely prescribed to lower cholesterol levels, can cause side effects impacting multiple areas of health. Muscle-related complaints are among the most frequently reported. You may experience muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, which can range from mild discomfort to severe impairment, affecting daily activities and overall quality of life. These symptoms can occur within weeks to months after initiating statin therapy and may lead to discontinuation of the medication. In rare cases, statin use can result in a life-threatening condition known as rhabdomyolysis, characterized by severe muscle breakdown, which can lead to kidney failure and other serious complications.
Liver function is another area of concern with statin use. While routine liver enzyme monitoring is no longer recommended due to the low incidence of significant liver injury, statins can cause elevations in liver enzymes, indicating potential liver inflammation or damage. In most cases, these elevations are mild and reversible upon stopping or adjusting your statin dosage. Nonetheless, healthcare providers may still assess liver function before initiating therapy and monitor for symptoms suggestive of liver dysfunction during treatment. An increase in blood sugar levels is a known risk of statin therapy. This elevation can be modest but may contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes, particularly in individuals with preexisting risk factors such as obesity or metabolic syndrome. The risk is generally low, but it is significant enough that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued warnings regarding the potential for statins to increase blood glucose levels.
Lipophilic (fat-loving) statins were first discovered in 1976 with the original drug called compactin. Subsequently, throughout the ‘80s and ‘90s, more were introduced including simvastatin (Zocor), atorvastatin (Lipitor), and lovastatin (Altoprev). These medications are frequently prescribed to lower cholesterol and reduce cardiovascular risk. However, emerging research suggests that their long-term use may be linked to an increased incidence of dementia. Between 1990 and 2016, dementia rates in the United States rose by 117%, a trend that some experts attribute, at least in part, to the widespread use of statins. Neurological effects, including memory loss and cognitive dysfunction, have been reported by statin users. Dr. Beatrice Golomb, a professor of medicine at the University of California, San Diego, has extensively studied the neurological effects of statins, revealing that these pharmaceuticals can influence sleep, cognitive behavior, and potentially alter the progression of neurodegenerative conditions like dementia. These are her observations:
“Statins can indeed produce neurological effects… Between 2003 and 2012 roughly one in four Americans aged 40 and older were taking a cholesterol-lowering medication, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But studies show that statins can influence our sleep and behavior — and perhaps even change the course of neurodegenerative conditions, including dementia… In 2015, my colleagues and I observed that women taking statins, on average, showed increased aggression; men typically showed less, possibly because of reduced testosterone levels. Some men in our study did experience a marked increase in aggression, which was correlated with worsening sleep… Statins may also affect neurodegenerative disorders, such as dementia, Parkinson’s disease or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).”
Although these symptoms may be frightening, they are typically reversible upon discontinuation of the medication. Meanwhile, doctors like Beatrice Golomb report neurodegenerative effects in patients after taking statins, but studies have yielded mixed results. Nonetheless, the FDA has included warnings on statin labels regarding the potential for cognitive impairment. One of the primary concerns is that statins, by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, not only lower cholesterol but also deplete coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), a vital antioxidant and mitochondrial energy carrier. CoQ10 is crucial for maintaining neuronal health and function. Studies have shown that statin-induced CoQ10 deficiency can impair mitochondrial function, leading to oxidative stress and neuronal injury, which are implicated in the development and progression of dementia. Cardiologist Dr. Stephen Sinatra weighs in on the importance of this nutrient:
“I wish I had a nickel for every person who has told me they have less energy now than they had years ago and blame it on ‘getting old.’ When I tell them the lack of energy they feel could be a coenzyme Q10 deficit, they’re often surprised. CoQ10 does two important things. It sparks energy production in every cell of your body, including your heart. Plus, it scavenges and destroys free radicals that cause cardiovascular problems and heart disease. Fueling your body with CoQ10 is one of the most important things you can do for your heart.”
In addition to statins, medications like bile acid sequestrants (e.g., cholestyramine, colesevelam, and colestipol) and PCSK9 inhibitors (e.g., alirocumab and evolocumab) are commonly prescribed to lower LDL cholesterol, but both classes carry significant drawbacks. Bile acid sequestrants often cause gastrointestinal issues such as constipation, bloating, and abdominal discomfort. They can also interfere with the absorption of essential fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K), potentially leading to nutrient deficiencies and elevated liver enzymes that require regular monitoring. PCSK9 inhibitors, while effective at significantly lowering LDL levels, are costly and require biweekly or monthly injections. These can be inconvenient and may lead to complications such as injection site reactions, back pain, flu-like symptoms, and allergic responses. Their long-term safety is still under evaluation, making both treatment types challenging in terms of patient adherence, accessibility, and overall quality of life.
Expert Perspectives on Cholesterol’s Health Benefits
Today, many leading health professionals emphasize the essential role of cholesterol in numerous bodily functions. Uffe Ravnskov, a Swedish physician, researcher, and author, is known for his critical stance on the cholesterol–heart disease hypothesis. He argues that dietary cholesterol does not contribute to heart disease and that the lipid hypothesis is flawed, stating in his book “Ignore the Awkward! How the Cholesterol Myths Are Kept Alive”:
“Atherosclerosis has nothing to do with the concentration of cholesterol in the blood.”
David A. Diamond, M.D., a neuroscientist and cardiovascular disease researcher in the Department of Psychology at the University of South Florida, has published research challenging the cholesterol-heart disease paradigm. He argues that statin drugs may not be as beneficial as claimed and that cholesterol is essential for brain function. He goes even further, adding:
“There have been decades of research designed to deceive the public and physicians into believing that LDL causes heart disease, when in fact, it doesn’t.”
Internist and author Dr. Fred Pescatore, advocates for a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet. He emphasizes the importance of healthy fats—including cholesterol-rich foods—for overall health and weight management, and he is critical of statin drugs. He asserts:
“The statins rank is one of my most despised drug classes of all time. They’ve been linked to weight gain, liver damage, memory loss, muscle wasting, chronic pain, insomnia, cataracts, and brain fog just to name a few.”
Dr. Eric Berg highlights the importance of understanding “remnant” cholesterol—the leftover cholesterol in certain blood fats after your body has used triglycerides for energy. Elevated levels of remnant cholesterol can accumulate in your arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease. You can calculate remnant cholesterol by subtracting the sum of LDL and HDL (high-density lipoprotein) from your total cholesterol. Ideally, this value should be less than 17 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). Levels between 18 and 23 are acceptable, 24 to 29 raise concern, and anything above 30 is considered very concerning. This simple calculation provides a more precise assessment of cardiovascular risk than focusing solely on LDL.
The Importance of Quality Nutrition, Fat and All
A growing body of scientific evidence now supports what many traditional diets have long shown: a diet rich in healthy animal and plant fats, and low in sugar and processed foods, is profoundly beneficial for heart and cardiovascular health. Contrary to outdated low-fat dogma, research indicates that naturally occurring fats—especially from pasture-raised animal sources and organic plant foods—support optimal cholesterol profiles and vascular function. Grass-fed/finished beef, lamb, and pasture-raised poultry, for instance, contain significantly higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acid than their conventionally raised counterparts, both known to reduce inflammation, improve arterial flexibility, and lower triglycerides. These meats are also rich in vitamin K2, a nutrient critical for directing calcium into bones and away from arteries, thus reducing the risk of arterial calcification and atherosclerosis. Studies published in journals such as Nature and The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition confirm that diets higher in saturated fat from natural sources do not correlate with increased heart disease—and may even improve high-density lipoprotein (HDL), the so-called “good” cholesterol. Notably, despite common misconceptions, Johns Hopkins Medicine states that HDL and LDL are not cholesterol themselves, but rather carriers that transport cholesterol through the bloodstream. In the article “Cholesterol in the Blood,” they state:
“Cholesterol and other fats are carried in your bloodstream as spherical particles called lipoproteins. The two most commonly known lipoproteins are low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and high-density lipoproteins (HDL).”
Incorporating organic, pasture-raised eggs, raw or dry-roasted nuts and seeds, and unrefined cooking fats such as extra virgin olive oil, coconut oil, butter, tallow, and ghee further enhances cardiovascular resilience. These foods supply heart-supportive compounds like monounsaturated fats, saturated fats, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory phytonutrients that help protect the vascular lining and maintain lipid balance. Simultaneously, eliminating processed foods and industrial seed oils (e.g., canola, soybean, sunflower, and corn) is crucial—these ultra-processed ingredients distort the omega-6 to omega-3 ratio, trigger chronic inflammation, and are consistently linked to metabolic syndrome and heart disease in large epidemiological studies. Excess sugar and refined carbohydrates contribute to insulin resistance, high triglycerides, and low HDL levels, all of which are strong predictors of cardiovascular events. By returning to a whole-food, fat-focused approach—rich in nature’s most nutrient-dense foods—you can normalize cholesterol markers, reduce arterial inflammation, lower blood pressure, and significantly lower your long-term risk of heart disease. This isn’t merely a dietary choice—it’s a scientific strategy for lifelong cardiovascular health.
Understanding how your body’s natural rhythms influence health is as important as managing diet and exercise. A key factor often overlooked is your circadian rhythm—your internal 24-hour clock that governs vital processes like sleep and hormone regulation. Supporting this natural cycle—by getting regular sunlight in the morning, maintaining consistent sleep and wake times, and avoiding bright lights at night—can help keep your blood pressure, heart rate, and stress hormones in check, reducing the risk of heart disease. In the article, “Circadian Rhythms, Exercise, and Cardiovascular Health,” they expand on this by saying;
“Circadian misalignment over long periods of time is associated with elevated blood pressure, reduce[d] sleep quality, and increase[d] overall cardiovascular risk.”
Emerging science reveals that environmental toxins play a significant role in disrupting cholesterol metabolism and cardiovascular function. Substances such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)—often referred to as “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in the environment—are now widely present in water supplies, food packaging, and household products. These chemicals accumulate in the human body and have been strongly associated with elevated cholesterol levels, particularly LDL cholesterol, even in otherwise healthy individuals. Similarly, heavy metals like lead, mercury, and cadmium, which are commonly found in industrial pollutants, contaminated food, and even dental amalgams, have been shown to disrupt lipid balance. One study published in The Lancet found that individuals with the highest blood lead levels had nearly twice the risk of elevated total cholesterol compared to those with the lowest levels. Air pollution, particularly fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), has also been linked to adverse changes in lipid profiles—including increased triglycerides and total cholesterol, and decreased HDL cholesterol.
The research clearly confirms that cholesterol is not merely a harmful substance, as portrayed in the medical narrative over the past fifty years, but a key part of your body’s adaptive defense system. In the face of toxic or pathogenic insults and inflammation, the body elevates cholesterol as a “buffer”—a protective response—since cholesterol plays a key role in cell membrane integrity, hormone synthesis, and neutralizing harmful substances. In fact, cholesterol-rich lipoproteins can bind to and help neutralize toxins, reducing their damage to tissues. Similarly, elevated blood pressure can act as a warning signal, indicating the presence of underlying stressors—such as inflammation, toxin exposure, or vascular damage—that your body is attempting to compensate for. Rather than viewing high cholesterol or elevated blood pressure as isolated conditions to suppress without context, it is essential to consider what your body is responding to. Addressing root causes—especially environmental exposures and chronic inflammation—may normalize these markers naturally, without the need for aggressive pharmaceutical intervention.
Ultimately, the most effective strategy for cardiovascular health is not just managing numbers on a lab report, but supporting your body’s innate ability to protect, repair, and adapt. Remember, the standard for what’s within normal range has changed a lot over the years so use your best judgement to determine if you truly have a need for medical intervention. Reducing exposure to environmental toxins, eating a nutrient-dense diet rich in healthy fats, and avoiding processed and inflammatory foods work synergistically to restore balance. By respecting your body’s complex signaling systems, you can achieve lasting heart health—not through suppression, but through strategic support of its natural endurance.
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Published on July 24, 2025.
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