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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 the West Midlands 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 |
| West Midlands | 2,849 | 39 | 24 | 76 | 133 | 82 |
| Birmingham | 79 | 30 | 22 | 85 | 123 | 76 |
| Herefordshire | 67 | 16 | 28 | 60 | 130 | 84 |
| Shropshire | 34 | 50 | 29 | 68 | 122 | 73 |
| Staffordshire | 77 | 16 | 22 | 66 | 132 | 78 |
| Warwickshire | 100 | 45 | 17 | 75 | 138 | 85 |
| Wolverhampton | 2,458 | 40 | 24 | 77 | 131 | 80 |
| Worcestershire | 34 | 38 | 15 | 71 | 126 | 77 |
