Nearly half of U.S. adults have high blood pressure (hypertension), and many don’t even know it (CDC). That’s why getting accurate blood pressure readings is more than routine—it’s essential. One incorrect number, too high or too low, can completely shift your care plan. Yet few patients consider how their blood pressure is being taken—or whether it’s being taken correctly.
At Griffin Concierge Medical, we prioritize precision in how we measure your blood pressure. Our St. Petersburg office features exam chairs equipped with Midmark’s Better BP® positioning system to support optimal accuracy. Across both locations, our clinical team is trained to follow American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines—whether readings are taken manually or with automated monitors.
What Is Blood Pressure and Why It Matters
Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries. It’s a key indicator of cardiovascular and metabolic health, affecting your risk for a wide range of diseases and even influencing lifespan.
Your blood pressure includes two values:
- Systolic (top number): Pressure when your heart beats
- Diastolic (bottom number): Pressure when your heart rests
When blood pressure is consistently high, your heart must work harder, increasing your risk for:
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Kidney damage
- Type 2 diabetes
- Cognitive decline
High blood pressure is often called the “silent killer” because it shows no symptoms while damaging your organs over time (AHA).
The Role of Accurate Readings in Care
Accurate readings are the foundation of effective care at Griffin. They directly impact:
- Diagnosis: Hypertension is confirmed by multiple accurate readings
- Chronic disease management: Blood pressure control is essential for managing conditions like heart disease and diabetes
- Treatment decisions: Your physician adjusts medications and lifestyle guidance based on your numbers
If those numbers are off, so is your care plan—which is why we emphasize best practices at every visit.
Proper Positioning = Accurate Results
How you sit during a blood pressure reading can affect your results by up to 50 points (Pickering et al., 2005). That’s the difference between being told you’re healthy—or hypertensive.
We use Midmark’s specialized seating system in our St. Petersburg office to encourage proper positioning. At all locations, our team follows AHA guidelines:
- Seated comfortably, back supported
- Feet flat on the floor, legs uncrossed
- Arm supported at heart level
- Cuff placed directly on the bare arm
- No talking during the measurement
We train our team to follow these practices every time—because your results deserve that level of care.
Why We Use Automated Readings
While some readings may be performed manually, we incorporate Midmark’s automated devices when appropriate to:
- Eliminate inconsistencies
- Reduce “white coat syndrome” by allowing for multiple relaxed readings
- Select the most accurate measurement automatically
- Personalize settings based on your baseline for added comfort and precision
Across both offices, your Griffin care team is trained to ensure every reading is taken with consistency, care, and clinical precision.
Monitoring Blood Pressure at Home
Your Griffin physician may recommend at-home blood pressure tracking to capture patterns throughout your day. We use the Withings Smart Blood Pressure Monitor, which syncs with a mobile app so you can share results directly with your care team. With some models, you can also send data to the Withings monitoring platform, which your physician can access securely.
This approach helps detect daily variability, track your response to stress or lifestyle changes, and fine-tune your care plan in real time.
If you’re interested in starting with a home tracking device, contact your Griffin physician or patient care coordinator.
Managing High Blood Pressure the Griffin Way
Your physician at Griffin Concierge Medical will work with you to help reduce high blood pressure through:
- Evidence-based treatments
- Personalized coaching
- Lifestyle modifications, including:
- Reducing sodium intake
- Increasing fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins
- Exercising moderately for at least 150 minutes per week
- Getting 7–9 hours of sleep per night
- Limiting alcohol and avoiding tobacco
Our Commitment to You
Accurate blood pressure readings may seem like a small detail—but they help us protect what matters most: your long-term health. At Griffin Concierge Medical, we’re proud to bring you better tools, better care, and better outcomes.
If you’re concerned about your blood pressure or want to start a personalized cardiovascular plan, contact your Griffin physician today. We’re here for you.
About Griffin Concierge Medical
Founded in 2008, Griffin Concierge Medical provides personalized, membership-based primary care in Tampa and St. Petersburg. Our care is unbound by insurance, enabling deeper relationships, 24/7 physician access, and a commitment to longevity and prevention.
Sources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Facts About Hypertension.” CDC, 2023, https://www.cdc.gov/high-blood-pressure/data-research/facts-stats/index.html
- Pickering, Thomas G., et al. “Recommendations for Blood Pressure Measurement in Humans and Experimental Animals.” Circulation, vol. 111, no. 5, 2005, pp. 697–716. https://doi.org/10.1161/01.CIR.0000154900.76284.F6.
- American Heart Association. “Understanding Blood Pressure Readings.” AHA, 2024, https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/understanding-blood-pressure-readings.
