NHS health checks

As we get older, we have a higher risk of developing:

• dementia
• heart disease
• kidney disease
• stroke
• type 2 diabetes.

Certain things put us at even greater risk:

• being overweight or living with obesity
• being physically inactive
• not eating healthily
• smoking
• drinking too much alcohol
• high blood pressure
• high cholesterol.

By identifying your risk early, you can take steps to prevent these happening to you, that means you will be more likely to live a healthier and longer life.

The NHS Health Check is a FREE health check-up for adults aged 40 – 74 in England.

Your NHS Health Check will assess your risk of developing these health problems and provide you personalised advice on how to prevent it.

Who is eligible?

You need to be in the 40-74 age group without a pre-existing cardiovascular condition. 

If you are eligible for health check, your GP will invite you either through a letter, text message or a telephone call. If you haven’t received your invitation, please contact your GP and ask for an appointment.

What happens at an NHS Health Check?

Your NHS Health Check, which takes about 20 to 30 minutes, will be done by a healthcare professional.

The check asks:

• asks whether any of your close relatives have had the illnesses being checked for
• asks some lifestyle questions to see if there is more you can do to look after your health
• records your height, weight, age, gender and ethnicity, blood pressure and pulse
• uses a blood test, before or at the check, to discover your cholesterol level and, possibly, your blood sugar level.

What happens after the check?

You will be taken through your results and told what they mean, You will be given personalised advice on how to lower your risk and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

You will be told about your risk of developing a heart or circulation problem, such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes or kidney disease, over the next ten years. 

Further tests and treatment/medication may be required for some people. Your healthcare professionals will be able to tell you more.