A story on an implanted pacemaker to control previously uncontrolled high blood pressure called it a "breakthrough," a "game-changer," and said it has "proven highly effective" and could help millions.
HealthNewsReview.org analyzed the NBC effort as follows:
Strip away the hyperbole and the story failed to:
* Give any evidence - any data - on how well it worked;* Include any independent expert perspective (the only interviews were with sources with a vested interest);
* Include any cost estimate.
The medical editor who reviewed this piece for us said it was one of the worst he's reviewed in three years.
IMHO the main problem with blood pressure control is that people first seek a quick technical fix rather than address the fact that their bodies may be out of balance do to lifestyles.
Surely it's better to get healthy first with lifestyle changes (diet and exercise) and only then, if all else fails seek medications or 'pacemakers'.