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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.
Readings for the East Midlands are as follows:
| Area | No.of readings returned | % High reading | % High normal reading | % Unaware of bp numbers | Mean systolic | Mean diastolic |
| England | 21,571 | 34 | 23 | 71 | 131 | 80 |
| East Midlands | 1,378 | 36 | 19 | 75 | 131 | 80 |
| Derbyshire | 348 | 37 | 18 | 77 | 128 | 79 |
| Leicestershire | 216 | 37 | 24 | 63 | 127 | 80 |
| Northamptonshire | 238 | 22 | 17 | 91 | 136 | 84 |
| Nottinghamshire | 524 | 39 | 18 | 72 | 130 | 79 |
| Rutland | 52 | 40 | 19 | 73 | 138 | 82 |
