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During Know your Numbers! Week 2009:
Across the UK, only 22% of people tested had an 'optimal' reading. This means 78% of those tested should be taking positive action to lower their blood pressure.
34% had high blood pressure readings (at least 140/90mmHg) which needed further investigation. 71% did not know their blood pressure numbers.
Even 'average' readings across England, Wales and Northern Ireland
fell into the 'high normal' definition (130/85 - 139/89mmHg). This has
serious implications for the future health of the population. For
example, someone with a BP of 135/85mmHg is twice as likely to have a
stroke or develop heart disease as someone with an optimal BP.
We are unable to provide representative results for Dumfries and Galloway since only a small number of Pressure Stations took part in this region.
Readings for Scotland are as follows:
Area No. of readings returned % High reading
% High normal reading
% Unaware of bp numbers
Mean systolic
Mean diastolic
Scotland 1,052 29 20 77 129 80
