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 Yorkshire and Humberside 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 |
| Yorkshire & Humberside | 1,168 | 32 | 22 | 68 | 129 | 80 |
| East Yorkshire | 63 | 35 | 27 | 75 | 133 | 80 |
| Humberside | 12 | 0 | 17 | 0 | 120 | 73 |
| Lincolnshire | 101 | 28 | 20 | 95 | 132 | 79 |
| North Yorkshire | 467 | 32 | 22 | 57 | 127 | 79 |
| South Yorkshire | 316 | 45 | 22 | 73 | 125 | 77 |
| West Yorkshire | 209 | 15 | 24 | 71 | 128 | 80 |
| Yorkshire | 39 | 28 | 18 | 72 | 114 | 71 |
