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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 West 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 West | 1,473 | 34 | 22 | 73 | 131 | 80 |
| Bristol & Avon | 101 | 19 | 19 | 73 | 135 | 83 |
| Cornwall | 40 | 23 | 25 | 77 | 124 | 75 |
| Devon | 421 | 37 | 20 | 72 | 129 | 80 |
| Dorset | 197 | 20 | 28 | 75 | 128 | 79 |
| Gloucestershire | 71 | 31 | 23 | 63 | 126 | 77 |
| Somerset | 316 | 35 | 23 | 70 | 125 | 78 |
| Wiltshire | 327 | 42 | 22 | 77 | 124 | 76 |
