Is Bloodletting a Safe Solution for High Blood Pressure and Cholesterol?

Q: Is Bloodletting a Safe Solution for High Blood Pressure and Cholesterol?

Hello LiLi： "Phlebotomy" is generally used for the treatment of certain specific blood disorders; the conditions you mentioned, such as hypertension, high cholesterol, and weight loss, do not require this treatment. <br>Excessive phlebotomy can lead to anemia, palpitations, hypot

Bloodletting can help improve hypertension, high cholesterol, and aid in weight loss?

Hello Doctor: My father is 50 years old this year.
Last month, he heard from someone that "bloodletting" can help improve high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and aid in weight loss.
He actually went to a quack doctor in Tucheng, who does not have a medical license, to have blood drawn.
For the past month, he has been going once a week and has had blood drawn four times, each time about the size of a paper cup, totaling four cups.
I find this unbelievable; what era are we in that such things still happen? If treating high blood pressure involves simply letting blood out, then being a doctor must be too easy.
I am really worried about my father's health, and he even said he wants to have two more sessions.
Oh my God, is this really safe? Doctor, is it really okay to have blood drawn so frequently? He also mentioned that he had to ask someone to let him cut in line to be seen, indicating that there are quite a few people going there.
I heard that very serious stroke patients can walk out after having blood drawn; what is going on? Please, Doctor, provide some answers.

ilil, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2003/10/17

Dr. Tang Jieru reply Cardiology

Hello LiLi: "Phlebotomy" is generally used for the treatment of certain specific blood disorders; the conditions you mentioned, such as hypertension, high cholesterol, and weight loss, do not require this treatment.
Excessive phlebotomy can lead to anemia, palpitations, hypotension, electrolyte imbalances, and even hypovolemic shock, which pose potential risks.
Please immediately advise your father to seek treatment at a legitimate medical institution to prevent minor issues from escalating into major problems, which would be counterproductive.

Reply Date: 2003/10/17

More Info

Bloodletting, or the practice of intentionally withdrawing blood from a patient, is an ancient medical practice that has largely fallen out of favor in modern medicine. While it was once believed to treat a variety of ailments, including high blood pressure and high cholesterol, contemporary medical understanding strongly advises against this method for several reasons.

Firstly, the concept that bloodletting can effectively manage high blood pressure or cholesterol levels is not supported by scientific evidence. High blood pressure, or hypertension, is typically managed through lifestyle changes (such as diet and exercise) and medications that target the underlying physiological mechanisms. Similarly, high cholesterol is treated with dietary modifications and medications like statins, which work to lower LDL cholesterol levels and improve overall cardiovascular health. Bloodletting does not address the root causes of these conditions and can lead to more harm than good.

Your father's practice of undergoing bloodletting weekly is particularly concerning. Frequent blood withdrawal can lead to a condition known as hypovolemia, where the body has insufficient blood volume. This can result in symptoms such as dizziness, weakness, fatigue, and in severe cases, shock. The body requires a certain volume of blood to function properly, and removing it without medical supervision can be dangerous. Additionally, the lack of sterile techniques in non-medical settings increases the risk of infections and other complications.

Moreover, the claim that bloodletting can lead to weight loss or improve overall health is misleading. While some may experience temporary weight loss due to fluid loss, this is not a sustainable or healthy method for weight management. Effective weight loss strategies involve a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and behavioral changes that promote long-term health.

The anecdote you mentioned about stroke patients potentially "walking out" after bloodletting is alarming and highlights the dangers of such practices. Stroke recovery is complex and requires appropriate medical intervention, including rehabilitation and management of risk factors. Relying on bloodletting as a treatment could delay necessary medical care and worsen outcomes.

In summary, bloodletting is not a safe or effective solution for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or weight loss. It is crucial for your father to seek guidance from a qualified healthcare professional who can provide evidence-based treatment options. Encourage him to consult with a physician who can assess his health status, recommend appropriate lifestyle changes, and prescribe medications if necessary. Modern medicine offers a wealth of resources to manage these conditions safely and effectively, and it is vital to prioritize evidence-based practices over outdated and potentially harmful methods.

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