If you’re aged 40 to 74 and do not have a pre-existing health condition, you will be invited to an NHS Health Check every 5 years.
The NHS Health Check is a free check-up of your overall health. It can tell you whether you’re at higher risk of getting certain health problems, such as:
During the check-up you’ll discuss how to reduce your risk of these conditions.
If you’re aged over 65, you’ll also be told about symptoms of dementia to look out for.
Your NHS Health Check will be done by a healthcare professional. This will usually be a nurse, but it could also be a doctor, pharmacist or healthcare assistant.
The check takes about 20 to 30 minutes and usually includes:
- measuring your height and weight
- measuring your waist
- a blood pressure test
- a cholesterol test, and possibly a blood sugar level test, which is usually a finger-prick blood test. You may be asked to have a blood test at or before the NHS Health Check
You’ll also be asked some questions about your health including:
- whether any of your close relatives have had any medical conditions
- if you smoke, and how much
- if you drink alcohol, and how much
- how much physical activity you do
Your age, gender and ethnicity will also be recorded.