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New research shows public spaces, even noisy ones, are suitable for blood pressure screenings.
For years, health guidelines have emphasized the importance of a quiet, private setting when taking blood pressure readings. However, a new study suggests that public spaces—no matter how noisy—may be just as effective for accurate measurements. The findings, published on January 27 in the Annals of Internal Medicine, challenge existing beliefs and could open up more opportunities for mass hypertension screenings in everyday settings.
The study, led by Dr. Tammy Brady, a professor of epidemiology at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, concluded that blood pressure (BP) readings obtained in public places were only minimally different from those taken in a private office. The research team found that public spaces, such as shopping malls and public markets, are viable alternatives for hypertension screenings.
“BP readings obtained in public spaces were minimally different from BPs obtained in a private office, suggesting that public spaces are reasonable settings to screen for hypertension,” the team reported.
Currently, guidelines for accurate blood pressure measurement stress the need for quiet, distraction-free environments. However, this new study paves the way for more practical and convenient hypertension screenings in places such as public markets, sports venues, supermarkets, and office buildings—locations that might be more accessible for the general public.
Hypertension, a leading risk factor for heart disease and stroke, affects nearly 47% of adults in the U.S., according to the American Heart Association’s 2025 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics report. This highlights the importance of accessible, widespread screening.
In their study, researchers compared blood pressure readings taken at a noisy, historic public market in Baltimore—Northeast Market—with readings from a quiet office at Johns Hopkins. The market, with regular foot traffic and conversation, had an average noise level of 74 decibels—louder than a typical vacuum cleaner. The private office, on the other hand, registered only 37 decibels, quieter than a library.
Interestingly, the study found no significant difference in blood pressure readings between the two settings. Average systolic blood pressure was 128.9 in the office, 128.3 in the market, and 129 in the market for participants wearing earplugs to block out the noise. Diastolic blood pressure, the pressure between heartbeats, was also similar across the three settings: 74.2 in the office, 75.9 in the market, and 75.7 in the market with earplugs.
“The impact of a noisy public space on BP readings is small and not clinically relevant,” said Dr. Brady, adding that earlier studies might have been influenced by other stressors, such as work-related stress or hurried measurements taken in pharmacy waiting areas.
These findings suggest that noise in public spaces does not substantially affect the accuracy of blood pressure measurements, offering hope for more accessible hypertension screenings in everyday settings.
For further information, the American Heart Association offers guidance on understanding blood pressure readings.
Disclaimer: The findings of this study are specific to the conditions outlined in the research and may not apply universally in all public spaces. Individuals are encouraged to consult healthcare professionals for accurate blood pressure readings and advice on managing hypertension.
Source: Junichi Ishigami et al, “Effects of Noise and Public Setting on Blood Pressure Readings,” Annals of Internal Medicine (2025). DOI: 10.7326/ANNALS-24-00873.
