NHS Health Check in England: a free heart check-up for ages 40 to 74

The NHS Health Check is a free check-up of the heart and blood vessels offered to middle-aged adults in England. ONLYWAY NEWS explains who is eligible, what is measured and how to get one.

What is the NHS Health Check and who is eligible?

It is a free check-up of the health of your heart and blood vessels for adults aged 40 to 74 who live in England. It is not offered to people already diagnosed with certain conditions - such as heart disease, diabetes or a previous stroke - or those on a cardiovascular disease register. Those patients are instead monitored by their own care team, so a one-off check is not needed.

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How often can you have the check?

You are invited every 5 years. The invitation comes either from your GP surgery or your local council. Local authorities have a legal duty to offer the check to everyone in their eligible population once every five years. So even if you have moved house, an invitation should reach you in time.

What exactly is checked?

The check assesses your risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes and kidney disease. People over 65 are also told about the symptoms of dementia to watch for. During the appointment staff usually:

• measure your height, weight and waist;
• take your blood pressure;
• check your cholesterol, and sometimes your blood sugar;
• ask about your family medical history, smoking, alcohol and physical activity;
• record your age, sex and ethnicity.

At the end you receive a cardiovascular risk score for the next 10 years, usually rated as low, moderate or high.

What should you do with the results?

After the check, staff will talk you through how to lower any risk that has been found. The advice may cover diet, physical activity, smoking and alcohol, and in some cases a doctor may suggest medication or further tests. The results cover not only the cardiovascular risk score but also your body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, cholesterol, alcohol use, physical activity and your risk of developing diabetes. The point of the check is to spot warning signs early and change your lifestyle before a serious illness develops.

How much does it cost and how long does it take?

The check is free. It usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes. It is carried out by a healthcare professional - a pharmacist, a nurse at a GP surgery or a healthcare assistant.

How do you book an NHS Health Check?

If you receive an invitation, follow the instructions in it - in some areas you can complete part of the check online. If you think you are eligible but have not been invited, contact your GP surgery. If your GP practice does not offer it, contact your local council. Every figure and condition in this article comes from the official NHS and GOV.UK pages.