What happens at an NHS Health Check? Who is invited and why

An NHS Health Check is a routine review offered in England to look for early signs of some long-term conditions. It is a good example of how a planned check-up can work, and many of its ideas apply to adults anywhere. This article explains, in plain words, who is invited and what happens, based on the NHS description.

What is an NHS Health Check?

According to the NHS, the check looks at your risk of four conditions over the next 10 years: heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and kidney disease. It is a screening-style check, which means it is done before you have symptoms. It is not a test for one particular illness, and it does not replace a visit to a doctor when you feel unwell.

Who is invited?

The NHS says adults in England aged 40 to 74 are invited if they do not already have certain conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, stroke or high blood pressure. Your GP or your local council sends the invitation. If you believe you should have been invited but have not heard anything, the NHS advises contacting your GP practice.

What is checked?

The NHS lists the following parts of the check:

• Your height, weight and waist measurement
• Your blood pressure
• Your cholesterol, and possibly your blood sugar
• Your family medical history
• Questions about smoking, alcohol and physical activity
• Your age, sex and ethnicity

Sometimes a blood test is done before the appointment. The check is carried out by a pharmacist, a practice nurse or a healthcare assistant and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.

What happens afterwards?

You usually get your results during the appointment or soon after. The NHS says these include a 10-year cardiovascular risk score, described as low, moderate or high. You also get separate results for body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, cholesterol, alcohol use, physical activity and diabetes risk.

After that, you can talk about ways to improve your results. The NHS mentions diet, exercise, weight, smoking, salt, alcohol and cholesterol as areas that may come up. You may be referred to local support services. If you are over 65, you will also be told about the symptoms of dementia to look out for.

How often is it repeated?

The NHS says the check is offered every 5 years. In the years between, it still makes sense to look after your health and to see a doctor if something worries you.

Making the most of your check

• Bring a list of any medicines you take, and know your family history if you can.
• Be honest about habits such as smoking and drinking. The result is only as accurate as the information given.
• Ask what each number means and what you can do about it.
• Ask when and how you will get your results.

When to see a doctor

A health check is not meant for urgent problems. See a doctor if you have new or worrying symptoms, or if you are told your risk is moderate or high and want to understand your options. Do not wait for your next invitation if you feel unwell.

Seek urgent help for warning signs of a heart attack or stroke, such as chest pain, sudden weakness on one side of the body, difficulty speaking or a drooping face. In an emergency, call your local emergency number (112 in India, 911 in the United States).

This article is for education only and is not personal medical advice. Eligibility rules described here are those of the NHS in England; check with your own doctor about what applies to you.