Ann Intern Med
Public settings, noise don’t significantly affect BP readings
BP measurements in public, noisy settings were comparable to those in private, quiet settings in this small, randomized trial. The findings could support mass hypertension screening programs in public locations, such as supermarkets and schools, potentially increasing accessibility and early detection of hypertension.
Study details: The randomized crossover DECIBEL(S)* trial (NCT05394376) included 108 adults in Baltimore, MD, whose blood pressure (BP) was measured in three settings: a private quiet office, a noisy public space, and a noisy public space with earplugs. The primary outcome was the difference in mean BP readings between settings.
Results: Minimal, clinically insignificant differences in mean BP readings were found across settings:
- Private quiet setting: 128.9/74.2 mm Hg
- Noisy public setting: 128.3/75.9 mm Hg
- Noisy public setting with earplugs: 129.0/75.7 mm Hg.
*DECIBEL(S) = Determining Change In Blood Pressure Due to Environment and Loudness
Source:
Ishigami J, et al. (2025, January 28). Ann Intern Med. Effects of Noise and Public Setting on Blood Pressure Readings : A Randomized Crossover Trial. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39869911/