NHS Health Checks

Even though you might be feeling great, if you're over 40, you may be at risk of developing heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, diabetes or dementia.

A free 20-minute NHS Health Check will assess whether you are at risk of any of these. If you are, your health professional will discuss how you can reduce your risk and maintain your health.

Am I eligible for a check?

If you're eligible, your GP practice will invite you to an NHS Health Check. If you haven't received an invitation but would like one, reach out to your GP practice to check if you qualify.

An NHS Health Check is for people who are aged 40 to 74 who do not have any of the following pre-existing conditions:

• heart disease
• chronic kidney disease
• diabetes
• high blood pressure (hypertension)
• atrial fibrillation
• transient ischaemic attack
• inherited high cholesterol (familial hypercholesterolemia)
• heart failure
• peripheral arterial disease
• stroke
• currently being prescribed statins to lower cholesterol
• previous checks have found that you have a 20% or higher risk of getting cardiovascular disease over the next 10 years

You should have regular check-ups if you have one of these conditions. Your care team will be able to give you more information about this.

Why do I need an NHS Health Check?

As we age, our risk of developing heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, kidney disease, and dementia increases. Certain things can put us at even greater risk. These are:

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

What happens at the check?

The check will take around 20 to 30 minutes:

• Your height, weight, sex, ethnicity and age will be recorded
• Your blood pressure will be taken
• A simple blood test will check your cholesterol level
• Your body mass index (BMI) will be calculated. BMI is a measure of whether you're a healthy weight for your height.
• You will be asked some simple questions about your family history, whether or not you smoke and how much alcohol you drink.

What happens after the check?

The health professional will discuss how you can reduce your risk and stay healthy.

• You'll be taken through your results and told what they mean. Some people may be asked to return for their results at a later date.
• You'll be given personalised advice on how to lower your risk and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
• Some people with raised blood pressure will have their kidneys checked through a blood test.
• Some people may need to have another blood test to check for type 2 diabetes. Your health professional can tell you more.
• Treatment or medication may be prescribed to help you maintain your health.