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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 of England 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 of England | 2,892 | 32 | 21 | 57 | 130 | 80 |
| Bedfordshire | 415 | 18 | 24 | 57 | 132 | 82 |
| Cambridgeshire | 471 | 33 | 18 | 69 | 130 | 78 |
| Essex | 1,128 | 35 | 20 | 42 | 130 | 80 |
| Hertfordshire | 517 | 30 | 23 | 62 | 130 | 80 |
| Norfolk | 291 | 40 | 25 | 85 | 129 | 80 |
| Suffolk | 70 | 54 | 21 | 66 | 121 | 75 |
