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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 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 |
| Blaunau Gwent | 62 | 48 | 24 | 76 | 133 | 80 |
| Bridgend | 335 | 41 | 24 | 45 | 132 | 81 |
| Cardiff | 32 | 9 | 13 | 0 | 130 | 80 |
| Neath Port Talbot | 123 | 50 | 20 | 51 | 123 | 76 |
| Rhondda Cynon Taf | 202 | 24 | 23 | 78 | 127 | 83 |
| Vale of Glamorgan | 92 | 48 | 23 | 51 | 128 | 79 |
| Mid-Glamorgan | 30 | 47 | 7 | 87 | 144 | 83 |
