NHS Health Check

What is an NHS Health Check?

The NHS Health Check is a health check-up for adults in England aged 40 to 74. It's designed to spot early signs of stroke, kidney disease, heart disease, type 2 diabetes or dementia. As we get older, we have a higher risk of developing these conditions. An NHS Health Check helps find ways to lower this risk.

Why should I have an NHS Health Check?

As well as measuring your risk of developing these health problems, an NHS Health Check gives you advice on how to prevent them. The risk level varies from person to person, but everyone is at risk of developing heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, kidney disease and some types of dementia. Your NHS Health Check can detect potential health problems before they cause a problem.

What happens at an NHS Health Check?

The check will take about 20-30 minutes:

• •You'll be asked some simple questions about your family history, and any medication you're currently taking
• •Your height, weight, age, sex and ethnicity 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

After your NHS Health Check

A healthcare professional will discuss your results with you. You'll be given advice and support to help lower your risk and maintain or improve your vascular health. This could include:

• •Advice on improving your diet and the amount of physical activity you do
• •Support to lose weight or stop smoking
• •Medicines to lower your blood pressure or cholesterol

How often will I be invited for an NHS Health Check?

You'll be invited for an NHS Health Check every 5 years if you're between 40 and 74 years old, as long as you don't have an existing condition. If you're registered with a GP, you should automatically get an invitation. Don't worry if you haven't been invited yet – you will be over the next few years.