The next time you check your blood pressure at a supermarket or a crowded place, don’t worry about the noise affecting the reading, as it doesn’t.

A recent study found very minimal differences in blood pressure measurements taken in private offices and public places. Unlike previous research, which suggested calm environments were necessary for accurate readings, these new findings suggest that public places might be suitable for blood pressure screenings.

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore stated that these results support implementing large-scale screening programs in public places.

Around 1.4 billion people worldwide suffer from high blood pressure, but only 50% are aware of it, and only 20% have it under control. This is one reason why heart disease is the leading cause of death globally. Expanding access to blood pressure screenings is a way to improve cardiovascular health worldwide.