'40% have high blood pressure'

The Blood Pressure Association (BPA) discovered that the nation's hot spots for this problem were the West Midlands and Yorkshire and Humberside (both 45%).

People in Wales and Northern Ireland were most likely to have high blood pressure (44%), followed by those in England (40%) and Scotland (39%).

The lowest incidence in the country was found in London, but even here one in three of those tested had a blood pressure level considered a concern.

Over a quarter of a million people volunteered to have their blood pressure checked as part of the BPA's Know Your Numbers week in September.

High blood pressure is the UK's biggest cause of death and disability through the strokes and heart attacks it causes, according to the BPA.

People can help to lower their blood pressure by eating plenty of fruit and vegetables, avoiding salt, taking exercise, drinking alcohol only in moderation and watching their weight.

Dr Mike Mead, a GP and medical adviser to the BPA, said: "High blood pressure is a serious health condition. Uncontrolled high blood pressure is the biggest cause of death and disability through the strokes and heart attacks it causes. But this is preventable.

"We urge everyone to make it their New Year's resolution to have a blood pressure check and lead a healthier lifestyle to lower their numbers.

"Looking after your blood pressure is one of the most important things you can do to improve your current and future health."