Study Reveals Only 14% of Online Blood Pressure Measurement Images Show Proper Technique

A new study published in Hypertension, an American Heart Association journal, reveals that only 14% of online stock images depicting blood pressure measurement show proper technique according to clinical guidelines. The research analyzed over 1,000 images from major stock photo websites and found significant deviations from the 2023 International Consensus on Standardized Clinic Blood Pressure Measurement.

Lead author Alta Schutte, Ph.D., professor of cardiovascular medicine at the University of New South Wales Sydney, expressed concern about the findings. "We expected that about 50% of images would be accurate, however, our findings were worse than expected," Schutte stated. The study highlights the picture-superiority effect, where people tend to remember images better than words, suggesting that inaccurate visuals could have serious public health consequences.

The analysis identified multiple common errors in the images. Seventy-three percent showed individuals without back support, 55% lacked proper forearm resting on a flat surface, and 52% featured manual self-pumping devices instead of recommended electronic upper-arm devices. Other frequent mistakes included dangling feet (36%), talking during measurement (23% for healthcare professionals, 18% for patients), incorrect arm positioning (19%), crossed legs (13%), improper sitting position (5%), and cuffs placed over clothing (12%).

Notably, images depicting home blood pressure monitoring were approximately three times more accurate than those showing measurements in clinical settings. Twenty-five percent of home measurement images were accurate compared to only 8% of images from physician offices, healthcare facilities, or hospitals. Images showing blood pressure measured by patients or other non-professionals were six times more likely to demonstrate proper technique than those showing healthcare professionals taking measurements.

Daniel Jones, M.D., FAHA, chair of the American Heart Association's 2025 high blood pressure guideline writing committee, emphasized the importance of accurate imagery. "This study highlights the importance of using accurate images to demonstrate the proper technique for measuring blood pressure," Jones said. "Home blood pressure monitoring is recommended for patients to help confirm an office diagnosis of high blood pressure and to monitor, track progress and tailor care as part of an integrated care plan."

The American Heart Association provides resources at https://www.heart.org to help people learn proper blood pressure measurement techniques. With nearly half of U.S. adults having high blood pressure, accurate measurement is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment. The study authors urge organizations, media outlets, stock photo creators, and web developers to ensure their images represent proper techniques to reduce the likelihood of incorrect blood pressure readings in both home and clinical settings.