A substantial and growing number of people are turning to AI tools like Chatgpt for medical advice — even a growing number of doctors! Can you get valuable health advice from a generative AI tool like ChatGpt? Answer: the experiments described below show that you’ll get the advice that is most beneficial to the medical-industrial complex (pharma and medical establishments) — which all too often will create significant medical problems, including more than doubling your chances of going blind!
Background
Various forms of AI have been around for decades. Sometimes there’s been a hype-bubble, which usually quietly fades away when all the promised wonders fail to emerge. In other much-less-publicized cases there have been amazing practical advances. Often the advance isn’t from an invention but from a proven algorithm FINALLY getting applied to a problem to which it’s always been well-suited. See this for an example of one that's stretched out over 50 years and is still going.
Today’s LLM’s are forging new extremes (I won’t says heights) in hype. They’re changing the world! Students are using them to do their homework, while billions are being poured in by groups that want to lead this world-changing new technology. Many people are finding AI-generated answers to questions more attractive than search results from Google, which will change the massive flow of search-related advertising.
There’s little doubt that most people find it more helpful to get a written-out answer to a question they put into a box rather than an endless list of search results to sift through and evaluate. It’s like getting an answer from an authoritative doctor instead of figuring it out yourself. Even better – what if the doctor is out of touch with the latest science – the bot knows it all!
But how accurate is the AI "doctor" actually — are you getting the truth, or what the profit-seeking medical establishment wants you to hear?
Experiments with Chatgpt
I asked Chatgpt some simple questions about healthcare specially chosen to expose bias and error. In each case, I knew there was a mainstream approach to the issue that generates huge revenue streams, and that in each case there was solid, proven evidence that the mainstream approach was badly broken, yielding profits to the medical industry while actively harming patients.
The subjects I chose are ones that I have studied and for which there is solid, proven evidence that the mainstream advice is actively harmful.
High blood pressure
Question: What level of blood pressure is too high and should be treated?
Chatgpt answer:
Blood pressure that's too high and should be treated depends on the specific numbers and whether you have other risk factors like diabetes, kidney disease, or heart disease. Here’s a general breakdown, based on the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines:
Normal Blood Pressure:
- Systolic (top number): < 120 mmHg
- Diastolic (bottom number): < 80 mmHg
Elevated Blood Pressure (Not yet hypertension):
- Systolic: 120–129 mmHg
- Diastolic: < 80 mmHg
Action: Lifestyle changes recommended. No medication yet.Stage 1 Hypertension:
- Systolic: 130–139 mmHg
- Diastolic: 80–89 mmHg
Action:
- Yes, treatment is considered, especially if:
- You have heart disease, diabetes, or a 10-year risk of heart attack/stroke over 10%.
- Lifestyle changes are the first step. Medication may follow if risk is high.
Stage 2 Hypertension:
- Systolic: ≥ 140 mmHg
- Diastolic: ≥ 90 mmHg
- Action:
- Yes, medication is typically recommended along with lifestyle changes.
Hypertensive Crisis (Seek immediate help):
- Systolic: ≥ 180 mmHg
- Diastolic: ≥ 120 mmHg
Action:- Emergency care needed, especially if you have symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, vision changes, or confusion.
- Summary Chart:
Category
Systolic
Diastolic
Action
Normal
<120
<80
No treatment needed
Elevated
120–129
<80
Lifestyle changes
Stage 1 Hypertension
130–139
80–89
Consider meds if risk factors
Stage 2 Hypertension
≥140
≥90
Lifestyle + medication
Hypertensive Crisis
≥180
≥120
Emergency care
Let me know your blood pressure numbers and health background if you'd like help interpreting your specific situation.
The above answer from Chatgpt might as well have been copied directly from the leading medical authorities in the field, which it even names. Expert opinion on the subject is united.
https://blackliszt.com/2022/05/the-experts-are-clear-control-your-blood-pressure.html
When you dig past the pronouncements of authorities, you discover that hypertension isn’t even a disease.
https://blackliszt.com/2022/06/the-facts-are-clear-hypertension-is-not-a-disease.html
We're told to take pills to "cure" this thing that isn't a disease. Hmm. Have you ever heard of pills whose only purpose is to lower your body temperature when you have a fever without addressing the underlying cause (infection, etc.)? Let's dig deeper.
High blood pressure medication dangers
Question: Is there any danger in taking blood pressure medication prescribed by a doctor?
Chatgpt answer:
Yes, there can be risks or side effects from taking blood pressure medication, even when prescribed by a doctor—but for most people, the benefits outweigh the risks when blood pressure is high enough to need treatment.
🔹 Common Risks or Side Effects (vary by drug type):
Drug Class
Examples
Possible Side Effects
Diuretics ("water pills")
HCTZ, furosemide
Frequent urination, low potassium, dehydration
ACE inhibitors
Lisinopril, enalapril
Dry cough, elevated potassium, kidney effects
ARBs
Losartan, valsartan
Dizziness, high potassium, rare allergic reactions
Calcium channel blockers
Amlodipine, diltiazem
Swelling in ankles, constipation, dizziness
Beta-blockers
Metoprolol, atenolol
Fatigue, slow heart rate, cold hands/feet
Other Possible Concerns:
- Too-low blood pressure: Can cause dizziness, fainting, or falls—especially in older adults.
- Drug interactions: With other prescriptions, supplements, or alcohol.
- Kidney effects: Some medications may affect kidney function, especially in people with pre-existing kidney disease.
- Electrolyte imbalance: Especially with diuretics.
But here's the key:
When used correctly, blood pressure medications reduce your risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, and death. Doctors usually start with low doses and monitor for side effects. Most side effects can be managed by:
- Adjusting the dose
- Switching medications
- Monitoring labs (like kidney function or electrolytes)
Bottom Line:
- Yes, there are potential dangers.
- No, they are not common or severe for most people.
- Yes, it’s safer to take them under doctor supervision than to leave high blood pressure untreated.
If you’re having side effects or concerned about your medication, tell your doctor. Never stop taking BP meds abruptly without medical advice—it can lead to dangerous rebound hypertension.
Unfortunately, the side effects of blood pressure pills are way more common .. and destructive .. than the "experts" would have you believe.
https://blackliszt.com/2022/07/the-destructive-treatment-of-hypertension.html
High blood pressure vision dangers
Note that the answer to my prior question about side effects said nothing about vision. So I asked it.
Question: can blood pressure medication hurt my vision?
Chatgpt answer:
Yes, some blood pressure medications can affect vision, though this is not very common. When it does happen, it's usually mild and reversible. Here’s how this can occur:
Ways Blood Pressure Medication Can Affect Vision:
Cause
Explanation
Examples
Too-low blood pressure (hypotension)
If BP drops too much, it can reduce blood flow to the eyes and brain, causing blurry vision or lightheadedness.
Any BP med at too high a dose
Fluid retention or swelling
Some calcium channel blockers (like amlodipine) can cause swelling, including around the eyes.
Amlodipine
Electrolyte imbalance
Diuretics can alter potassium/sodium levels, sometimes leading to visual disturbances.
Hydrochlorothiazide
Rare allergic or inflammatory reactions
ACE inhibitors or ARBs can rarely cause inflammation in the eyes (like uveitis).
Lisinopril, losartan
Beta-blockers (especially eye drops)
If used for glaucoma, beta-blocker eye drops can cause blurry vision, dry eyes, or even systemic effects.
Timolol
Signs to Watch For:
- Sudden blurred vision
- Double vision
- Eye pain or pressure
- Flashing lights or visual floaters
- Loss of part of your visual field
If you experience any of the above—especially if sudden—it’s important to seek prompt medical evaluation.
What to Do:
- Tell your doctor if your vision changes after starting or adjusting medication.
- Don’t stop taking your medication without medical guidance.
- Your doctor might:
- Adjust your dose
- Switch to a different medication
- Refer you to an eye specialist if needed
Important Note:
Uncontrolled high blood pressure is far more likely to damage your vision long-term—through conditions like hypertensive retinopathy, retinal artery occlusion, or stroke affecting the visual cortex—than well-managed ""medication is.
The "expert" answer to the question about vision is that you're in more danger of vision problems by NOT taking medications.
There's just a little problem, namely a large study demonstrating that taking blood pressure pills more than doubles your chances of getting AMD, to over 19%! What's AMD? Age-related Macular Degeneration, which makes you blind.
https://blackliszt.com/2022/07/blood-pressure-pills-can-make-you-blind.html
Wouldn't it be nice if Chatgpt or your doctor would mention such a thing?
Cholesterol
Question: If my doctor prescribes statins to lower my cholesterol, should I take them?
Chatgpt answer:
If your doctor prescribes statins, there's usually a good reason—most often to lower your risk of heart attack, stroke, or other cardiovascular disease. That said, whether you personally should take them depends on your overall risk, not just your cholesterol numbers.
When Statins Are Clearly Recommended:
You should strongly consider taking statins if any of the following apply:
- You’ve had a heart attack, stroke, or other cardiovascular event
- Your LDL (“bad”) cholesterol is ≥190 mg/dL
- You have diabetes and are over age 40
- Your 10-year risk of heart disease or stroke is ≥7.5% (based on factors like age, BP, smoking, cholesterol)
- Weighing the Risks and Benefits:
Benefits of Statins
Possible Side Effects
Lower LDL cholesterol
Muscle aches or cramps (in 5–10%)
Reduce risk of heart attack or stroke (by 20–30%+)
Elevated liver enzymes (rare)
Help stabilize plaque in arteries
Slight increase in diabetes risk in some
May reduce inflammation in arteries
Brain fog or memory issues (very rare, reversible)
Most people tolerate statins well, and serious side effects are rare. If side effects do occur, doctors often:
- Lower the dose
- Switch to a different statin (some are better tolerated)
- Try alternate-day dosing
Should you take them?
Ask yourself (and your doctor):
- Do I have high cardiovascular risk? (Not just cholesterol, but blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, age, etc.)
- Do I have a family history of early heart disease?
- Is my lifestyle enough, or do I need medication support?
- Do I understand the risks of not treating high cholesterol?
Bottom Line:
- If your doctor recommends statins based on guidelines and your risk, yes—it’s usually a smart and safe choice.
- If you're unsure, ask for a 10-year risk calculation and discuss the numbers and options.
- Lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, weight loss) can complement or sometimes replace statins, especially if your risk is borderline.
Lots of things, like eating saturated fat, are supposed to increase your blood cholesterol, which leads to heart trouble, they say.
https://blackliszt.com/2022/02/the-experts-are-clear-keep-your-cholesterol-low.html
The widely-prescribed drugs that lower cholesterol don’t help with heart disease and cause problems of their own.
https://blackliszt.com/2022/04/the-facts-are-clear-dont-take-cholesterol-drugs.html
Colonoscopy
Question: Is getting a recommended colonoscopy a good thing to do?
Chatgpt answer:
Yes, getting a recommended colonoscopy is a very good thing to do—especially if you're age 45 or older, or have risk factors like a family history of colon cancer. It's one of the most effective tools for preventing colon cancer, not just detecting it. Why a Colonoscopy Matters:
Benefit
Why It’s Important
Prevents cancer
Doctors can remove precancerous polyps before they turn into cancer
Detects cancer early
If cancer is found early, it’s usually much more treatable
Reduces risk of dying from colon cancer
Colonoscopy screening significantly lowers mortality from colon cancer
Usually only every 10 years
If normal, you typically don’t need another for a decade
Who Should Get One?
- Everyone age 45 and older, even if you have no symptoms
- Earlier or more often if you have:
- Family history of colon cancer or polyps
- Personal history of inflammatory bowel disease (e.g., Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis)
- Certain genetic conditions (like Lynch syndrome or FAP)
Risks (Rare but Possible):
- Bleeding (especially if a polyp is removed)
- Perforation (a small tear in the colon wall, very rare)
- Complications from sedation (generally safe)
- Mild cramping or bloating after the procedure
These are rare, and for most people, the benefits far outweigh the risks.
Common Concerns (and Reassurance):
- “The prep is awful”: It’s not fun, but newer prep options are more tolerable.
- “What if they find something?”: That’s the point. Finding it now is far better than later.
- “I feel fine”: Colon cancer often has no symptoms until it's advanced.
Bottom Line:
- Yes, you should do it if it’s recommended.
- It’s one of the few tests that can prevent cancer, not just detect it.
- It's safe, effective, and could save your life.
Want to talk through your personal risk or what the prep is like? I can walk you through it.
Screening for colon cancer is a multi-billion dollar industry. Chatgpt is strongly in favor of it, no misgivings. However, the only large-scale study that’s ever been done shows that it doesn’t result in longer life.
https://blackliszt.com/2023/01/value-of-colon-cancer-screening.html
Conclusion
Generative AI, the hot current trend in AI, is supposed to make things better. Everyone wants to make sure they don't miss the boat. The problem is the same problem we have with experts in general: they are often corrupt, self-serving, often wrong, and explain to us with deep, authoritative voices why we should do what they say. It's SCIENCE! it's proven!
As I have shown above, today's AI just makes things worse, by tricking its users into believing it's telling the truth, when in reality all that's happening is that it's repeating the same destructive, harmful nonsense that the human experts assert as scientific truth.
See this for another angle on AI in medicine, focusing on a technology that will actually produce results. https://blackliszt.com/2025/02/can-ai-improve-medical-diagnosis.html
See this for more on AI:
https://blackliszt.com/2023/08/summary-ai-machine-learning-big-data-math-optimization.html