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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.
The results from North Wales are as follows:
| Area | No. of readings returned | % High reading | % High normal reading | % Unaware of bp numbers | Mean systolic | Mean diastolic |
| Wales | 1,285 | 32 | 22 | 64 | 130 | 80 |
| Clwyd | 46 | 11 | 20 | 63 | 124 | 75 |
| Denbighshire | 58 | 28 | 26 | 89 | 136 | 84 |
| Gwynedd | 101 | 12 | 20 | 76 | 129 | 79 |
| Wrexham | 96 | 17 | 22 | 74 | 141 | 84 |
