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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 South East 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 East Coast | 1,754 | 32 | 25 | 64 | 131 | 79 |
| Kent | 695 | 31 | 20 | 68 | 136 | 84 |
| Surrey | 511 | 35 | 18 | 64 | 136 | 80 |
| East Sussex | 97 | 28 | 22 | 37 | 130 | 81 |
| West Sussex | 451 | 33 | 40 | 63 | 135 | 81 |
