Health checks

The NHS Health Check is for adults aged 40-74 who are not already being treated for a related condition. 

Why you need a health check

Anyone can develop heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease or have a stroke. The good news is that these conditions can often be prevented - even if you have a history of them in your family.

If you are aged 40-74 and you haven't had a stroke, and you don't already have high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes or kidney disease, you will be invited for a health check by your GP every five years. Even if you feel fine now, you should accept the invitation. You will be better prepared for the future and know how to improve your health and your quality of life.

What happens at the NHS Health Check

An NHS Health Check takes about 20 - 30 minutes to complete.  

The health professional will:

• ask you some simple questions about your lifestyle and family history
• measure your height and weight
• take your blood pressure
• do a blood test

Based on this, you will then receive your results and have the opportunity to talk to someone for personalised support and advice on how to lower your risk. They will be able to give you an idea of your chances of getting heart disease, stroke, kidney disease and diabetes. If you're over 65, you will also be told the signs and symptoms of dementia to look out for.

Advice on preventing health problems

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 do real damage.

Book a Health Check

Speak to your GP practice to find out if you are eligible. More information about NHS Health Checks and how to act on your results is available at NHS: Health Check.