The NHS Health Check is a free check-up of your overall health for adults aged 40 to 74*. It can tell you whether you’re at higher risk of certain health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, stroke or dementia.
Why an NHS Health Check is important
We know that your risk of developing heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, kidney disease and dementia increases with age. There are also certain things that will put you at even greater risk.
These are:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Being overweight
- Smoking
- Not getting enough exercise
- Drinking too much alcohol
- Not eating healthily
Both men and women can develop these conditions, and having one could increase your risk of developing another in the future.
What happens at the NHS Health Check
An NHS Health Check takes about 20 to 30 minutes. A health professional from your GP practice, often a nurse or healthcare assistant, will ask you some questions about your lifestyle and family history.
They will also:
- Ask you your age, sex, ethnicity
- Check your height and weight
- Take your blood pressure
- Do a non-fasting finger prick test (this will check your cholesterol)
How will the NHS Health Check help
Your NHS Health Check can detect potential health problems before they do real damage.
Based on your results, we will explain how you can manage and reduce your risks whilst maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
You will also receive personalised advice to reduce your risks, such as:
- How to improve your diet
- The amount of physical activity you do
- How to lose weight
- Stop smoking support
- If required, talk to you about medicines to help lower your blood pressure or cholesterol.
Where to get an NHS Health Check
Please get in touch with your GP surgery to make an appointment.
For further information about the NHS Health Check, go to NHS Health Check.
*eligible criteria – for people without pre-existing health conditions such as stroke, heart failure, or atrial fibrillation.