NHS Health Checks

• The NHS Health Check is a comprehensive assessment of your heart health, designed for adults in England aged 40 to 74.
• It involves measuring your blood pressure, pulse, height, and weight, and includes questions about your lifestyle.
• The main goal is to identify if you are at increased risk of serious health conditions such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, kidney disease, and some forms of dementia.

Why is it important?

• Think of it as your “midlife MOT”—a way to ensure your body’s key systems are functioning well.
• Early detection is crucial: the Health Check can spot potential problems before they cause real harm.
• Many of the conditions it screens for can be prevented with early intervention and lifestyle changes.

What happens after the check?

• You’ll receive personalised advice on how to reduce your risk of developing these health problems.
• The service is free, including any follow-up tests or appointments.

Additional checks for those over 65:

Once you turn 65, you’ll be invited to further NHS health checks and new screening tests, including:

• Cervical cancer screening
• Breast cancer screening
• Bowel cancer screening
• Diabetic retinopathy
• Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm screening

Where to find more information

For further details or to book a check, visit the NHS website.