NHS Health Checks

The NHS Health Check programme aims to help prevent heart disease, stroke, diabetes and kidney disease. Everyone between the ages of 40 and 74, who has not already been diagnosed with one of these conditions, will be invited (once every five years) to have a check to assess their risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes and kidney disease and will be given support and advice to help them reduce or manage that risk.

The NHS Health Check consists of a few simple tests that will give you and your GP or health professional a clearer picture of your risk of developing these common conditions.

For more information: What happens at an NHS Health Check?

You’ll then be given advice on what action you can take to lower your risk and improve your chances of a healthier life. For example, making changes to your diet or becoming more active.

If you’re aged between 40 and 74 and haven’t already been diagnosed with heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, or had a stroke, you will be invited for your check at some time over the coming years. We will write to you enclosing a leaflet about the NHS Health Check programme and we will also ask you to complete a questionnaire about your alcohol and exercise habits which you should bring with you to your Health Check appointment.

Following your first check, you will be invited for another check every five years until you are over 74. If you are diagnosed with heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease or have a stroke after your first or any subsequent NHS Health Checks, your condition will be managed as usual and you will not be sent another NHS Health Check invitation.

If your GP offers you any medical treatments after your NHS Health Check, such as medicines to lower your blood pressure, your progress on those medications will be monitored by your GP.

If you’re concerned about your health currently, please don’t wait until your NHS Health Check to do something about it. Go to your GP as you would normally.