Doctors Are Taking Your Blood Pressure WRONG—Here's Why
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted August 2, 2025
I get frustrated every time I go to the doctor (yes, doctors do go to the doctor) because the people who take my blood pressure almost always do it incorrectly.
And before you think I’m just being a cranky know-it-all, let me explain why this matters…
How many times have you rushed into the doctor’s office, gotten hustled into a chair, and had someone slap a cuff on your arm while you’re still catching your breath? They pump it up, scribble down some numbers, and move on to the next patient.
Sound familiar? Well, it turns out there’s a far better way to get an accurate reading—and it’s so simple, you’ll wonder why everyone hasn’t been doing it all along.
A new study from UT Southwestern Medical Center found that measuring blood pressure while patients are standing rather than sitting may actually improve the accuracy of readings.
Their findings, published in Scientific Reports, could lead to significant improvements in the early detection of high blood pressure in healthy adults. And trust me, early detection is everything when it comes to this silent killer.
High blood pressure is the number one risk factor for heart disease and stroke, affecting a whopping 48 percent of adults in the United States!
That means nearly half of us are walking around with a ticking time bomb in our arteries.
Researchers discovered that standing blood pressure readings caught cases of hypertension that the traditional sitting method missed entirely.
Think about it—you spend a significant amount of your day standing and moving around. And we’re certainly more active in our daily life than when we’re planted in a chair at the doctor’s office getting our blood pressure taken.
So, it makes sense to measure our blood pressure in a position that actually reflects how we live our lives.
This isn’t just academic nitpicking—it could mean the difference between catching high blood pressure early enough to do something about it or missing it, resulting in serious complications down the road.
Now, I’m not saying you should march into your next appointment and demand they take your blood pressure standing up (though honestly, it couldn’t hurt to ask). But this research does highlight something I’ve been saying for years: how we measure things in medicine matters just as much as what we’re measuring.
The current standard practice—having you sit in a chair with your feet on the floor, arm supported at heart level, after resting for five minutes—isn’t necessarily wrong. But it might not be the whole picture.
Standing blood pressure measurements could be vital for seniors who might have different cardiovascular responses when standing versus being seated.
As we age, our blood vessels become less flexible, and our bodies might not regulate blood pressure as efficiently when we change positions. A standing measurement could reveal problems that a sitting measurement misses.
The bottom line is, if we’re going to rely on blood pressure readings to make important decisions about our health, we’d better make sure we’re getting accurate numbers.
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
Is This "Safe" Sweetener Damaging Your Brain?
The headlines are alarming… “Popular Sugar Substitute Linked to Brain Cell Damage” and “Erythritol Could Damage Critical Brain Barrier” are just two of the dozens I’ve spotted recently. But before you toss every sugar-free product in your pantry, let’s take a closer look at what this study actually shows—and what it doesn’t. The latest research...
This Summer Threat Could SPIKE Your Blood Sugar
Picture this… It’s another scorching hot summer day. You crank up the air conditioning while watching the weather forecast, which predicts yet another “record-breaking” heat wave. It’s starting to feel like just another miserably uncomfortable summer. But what you might not realize is that—if you have diabetes—those rising temps could do far more damage to...
Move Over Yogurt—5 Foods That Pack MORE Probiotics
Let’s talk about your gut. The microbiome is the collection of trillions of bacteria and other tiny organisms that live in and on your body—especially in your gut—and help keep you healthy. I’ve written often about how vital it is to maintain a healthy microbiome. And you might have dutifully added yogurt to your shopping...
Is Your Heart Older Than YOU?
Maybe you feel young for your age. Good energy, decent sleep, eating your veggies. But what if I told you your heart might be a decade older than the rest of you? That’s exactly what researchers at Northwestern University found in a new study published in JAMA Cardiology. The average American woman’s heart is about...
Mailbag: 3-Pronged Attack CRUSHES Diabetes at the Source
“They told me I might have diabetes, so I would like to know how I can battle and eliminate diabetes.” —Fighting Back Hi Fighting, You have the exact right attitude—it will be your best weapon in this battle. Let’s face it, receiving a diabetes diagnosis is disturbing. You’re sitting there, shocked and wondering what it...
7 Natural Ways to Beat Jet Lag and Motion Sickness
Are you trying to squeeze in one last vacation this summer? Maybe it’s a beach getaway, a cross-country flight, or even a cruise. But let’s be honest: nothing takes the shine off a vacation faster than feeling nauseous on a boat… or jet-lagged and groggy for days after a flight. So, let’s talk about how...
The Trigger Behind America's Brain Health Crisis
I’ve been warning about ultra-processed foods for years. But I’ll admit—even I was surprised by this latest research. A new study found that your favorite packaged snacks and sweetened beverages might be doing much more than just expanding your waistline. These ultra-processed foods could be setting the stage for serious brain problems down the road....
The Heart Protector Hiding in Your Morning Coffee
You reach for your prescription bottle again, wondering if this is what the rest of your life looks like. Another day, another heart med—and the side effects to go with it. As you down it with a swig of water, you know it will only treat symptoms but never truly address the root cause of...
Blood Pressure STILL High? Check Your Medicine Cabinet
Is your blood pressure running high despite taking your prescription as ordered? Your blood pressure pills might be doing their job—but other medications could be silently sabotaging them without you knowing it. I’ve seen it happen time and again—patients diligently take their blood pressure meds while simultaneously swallowing other pills that send their numbers soaring...
The Diabetes Game-Changer Your Doc Forgot to Mention
A senior patient of mine, diagnosed with diabetes, recently got a continuous glucose monitor (CGM)—and it has been an absolute game-changer. With constant monitoring, her A1C—a crucial long-term measurement of blood sugar control—is now right where it should be. And here’s the bonus: her daughter can help her keep an eye on her blood sugar,...