NHS Health Checks

Regular check-ups helping you prevent chronic disease

 

What is an NHS Health Check?

The NHS health Check is a 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
- dementia.

As we get older, we have a higher risk of developing one of these conditions. An NHS Health Check helps find ways to lower this risk.

Am I eligible?

The 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.

How do I get a Health Check?

If you're in the 40 to 74 age group without a pre-existing condition, you should receive a letter from your GP surgery or local council inviting you for a free NHS Health Check every 5 years. You can also call your GP surgery to book a Health Check.