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 one of these conditions. An NHS Health Check helps find ways to lower this risk.
Am I eligible for an NHS Health Check
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
If you have one of these conditions you will be invited for your annual reviews.
How do I get an NHS Health Check?
If you’re in the 40 to 74 age group without a pre-existing condition, you will be invited for a free Health Check every 5 years. Alternatively you can contact us directly to book your health check with Will, Mandy or Nicola.
Your NHS Health Check will be done by a Will, Mandy or Nicola and will take 15-30 minutes. There will be questions, measurements and tests. You’ll be asked some simple questions, including:
- whether any of your close relatives have had the illnesses being checked for
- if and how much you smoke
- how much alcohol you drink, if any
- how much physical activity you do
Your weight and height will be measured to work out if you are a healthy weight for your height. Your waist may also be measured using a tape measure. Your age, gender and ethnicity will be recorded.
Your blood pressure and pulse will be taken as well as a blood test.
Once you’ve had your NHS Health Check, you’ll be given a cardiovascular disease risk score, which is an estimate of how likely you are to get heart disease or have a stroke in the next 10 years. You’ll also find out your possible risk of developing kidney disease and diabetes.
The higher your risk score, the more likely you are to develop one of these illnesses.
Depending on your score, you’ll be given advice about how to lower your risk with lifestyle changes.
This could include talking about how to:
You may also be referred to local services, such as stop smoking and physical activity services, to help you make any changes.
