The NHS Health Check is a free preventative health assessment for adults in England aged 40–74 years who do not already have certain long-term cardiovascular conditions. It aims to identify people at risk of developing: heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, kidney disease, and some forms of dementia.
Who is eligible?
You can usually have an NHS Health Check if you:
- Are aged 40–74
- Live in England
- Do not already have diagnosed cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, hypertension, stroke/TIA, familial hypercholesterolaemia, heart failure, peripheral arterial disease, or certain other related conditions.
- Eligible patients are normally invited every 5 years.
What happens during the check?
The appointment usually takes 20–30 minutes and may include:
- Height and weight measurement
- BMI calculation
- Waist measurement
- Blood pressure check
- Cholesterol test
- Blood glucose/HbA1c test (where indicated)
- Lifestyle assessment (smoking, alcohol, diet, exercise)
- Family history review
- Calculation of a 10-year cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk score
Outcomes
Following the assessment, patients receive:
- Their cardiovascular risk score
- Personalised advice to reduce risk
- Referral to support services where appropriate (e.g. smoking cessation, weight management, physical activity programmes)
- Further investigations or treatment if needed.
Further Information