Skip the main content if you do not want to read it as the next section.
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 South Central 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 |
| South Central | 1,989 | 29 | 23 | 70 | 128 | 80 |
| Berkshire | 369 | 32 | 20 | 67 | 130 | 78 |
| Buckinghamshire | 199 | 25 | 27 | 71 | 132 | 79 |
| Hampshire | 794 | 30 | 21 | 60 | 132 | 79 |
| Isle of Wight | 210 | 26 | 38 | 93 | 135 | 82 |
| Oxfordshire | 417 | 35 | 22 | 80 | 129 | 79 |
