What is an NHS Health Check?
The NHS Health Check is a free check-up of your general 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, we’ll tell you about symptoms of dementia to look out for.
Who is the NHS Health Check for?
The check is for people aged 40 to 74 who do not have any of the following pre-existing conditions:
- heart disease
- chronic kidney disease
- diabetes
- high blood pressure (hypertension)
- atrial fibrillation
- transient ischaemic attack
- inherited high cholesterol (familial hypercholesterolemia)
- heart failure
- peripheral arterial disease
- stroke
- currently prescribed statins to lower cholesterol
- previous checks have found that you have a 20% or higher risk of getting cardiovascular disease over the next 10 years
You should have regular check-ups if you have one of these conditions. Your care team will be able to give you more information about this.
How do I get an NHS Health Check?
NHS Health Checks are open to everyone between 40 and 74 years old with none of the health conditions above. Your GP or local council will invite you for an NHS Health Check every 5 years.
If you don’t have an invitation and would like an NHS Health Check, fill in the form to ask for one. You can also contact Hertfordshire County Council to ask for one. Some pharmacies also offer NHS Health Checks.
For information about what happens at a Health Check, visit NHS Health Check – NHS.