A health check might seem like a small thing, but it can make a big difference. Many serious health problems start quietly. You may feel fine whilst something like high blood pressure or raised cholesterol is building up in the background. The NHS Health Check aims to spot those early signs and help you stay well for longer.
This guide explains who the check is for, what happens during the appointment, and what you can expect afterwards. Whether you’ve been invited already or just want to understand the process, everything here is written simply and clearly.
What Is an NHS Health Check?
The NHS Health Check is a free service for adults in England aged 40 to 74. You’ll be invited every five years if you don’t already have certain long-term health problems. The purpose is to pick up early signs of conditions such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and kidney disease.
As explained on the official NHS Health Check programme, this service focuses on preventing the most common causes of ill health and early death. It’s not a test for every possible issue, but it does cover some of the biggest risks to long-term health.
You’ll be asked about your lifestyle, checked for things like blood pressure and cholesterol, and then given advice based on your results.
Why It Matters (Even If You Feel Well)
It’s easy to ignore health checks when you feel fine. But many people have early signs of problems without realising it. For example, high blood pressure often causes no symptoms but is a leading cause of stroke and heart disease.
The WHO overview of preventive healthcare shows that millions of people are living with high-risk factors such as raised blood pressure or high blood glucose levels, and many are unaware.
The health check helps identify these risks early. It’s not there to frighten you. It gives you time to take simple steps that could prevent something more serious later on.
What Happens at the Appointment?
Your NHS Health Check usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. It’s held at your GP surgery, local clinic, or sometimes a pharmacy.
Here’s what will happen:
Health questions: You’ll be asked about your family history and daily habits. This includes whether you smoke, how much you drink, what your diet is like, and how active you are.
Measurements: Your height, weight, and waist size will be recorded. These help calculate your Body Mass Index (BMI).
Blood pressure: A cuff is wrapped around your arm to measure the pressure in your arteries.
Blood test: A small finger-prick test is used to check your cholesterol and sometimes your blood sugar.
These results are then used to work out your chances of developing heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, or diabetes over the next 10 years.
You might also be asked to fill in a short questionnaire about your general health and how you’re feeling. The idea is to build up a full overview of your current health. Not only your weight or blood pressure, but your whole lifestyle.
What Do the Results Show?
Your results will be explained in everyday language, not medical jargon. One of the main things you’ll hear about is your heart age. This compares your risk of heart disease to someone who has ideal health. If your heart age is higher than your real age, you may be at increased risk.
You’ll also be told:
- Whether your blood pressure is in a healthy range
- What your cholesterol levels are like
- If your weight falls within a healthy BMI range
- If your waist measurement shows signs of risk
These results don’t mean you’re ill, but they may show where improvements can be made. If you’re at low risk, you’ll be told when your next check is due. If you’re at higher risk, you’ll be offered advice, further tests, or treatment.
What Happens If You’re at Risk?
Being at risk doesn’t mean you will get ill. It just means your chances are higher than they should be. That’s where support comes in.
You may be:
- Given simple lifestyle advice, such as stopping smoking or getting more active
- Offered a place in a weight loss or stop smoking programme
- Prescribed medicine to lower your blood pressure or cholesterol
- Referred for more tests or monitoring by your GP
The main thing to remember is that action now can make a big difference later. You don’t have to change everything overnight. Most people start with small adjustments like cutting down on salt or walking more often, and build from there.
Why You Might Not Be Invited
Not everyone is invited for the NHS Health Check. You won’t be invited if you already have certain long-term health problems, such as:
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Chronic kidney disease
That’s because your GP should already be monitoring you regularly. The check is meant for those not currently being treated for these issues.
Other Options: Private Health Checks
Some people choose to have private checks for extra peace of mind. This is common for people outside the NHS age range or those who want more detailed testing.
One example is Vista Health, which offers private health check services. These can include extra blood tests, scans, or reports. This can be useful if you want a more thorough look at your health or if you need results quickly. It’s not a replacement for NHS care, but it may suit those looking for faster or broader screening.
Common Questions Answered
Do I need to book it?
No, if you’re eligible, your GP will invite you. If you’re unsure, you can contact your surgery and ask.
Does it hurt?
The only part that might sting a little is the finger-prick blood test. Everything else is simple and painless.
How long does it take?
Around 20 to 30 minutes.
Do I need to fast before the test?
No, you can eat and drink as normal unless told otherwise.
What if I feel perfectly fine?
Many serious conditions don’t show signs at first. The check finds problems early so they can be sorted before they get worse.
How to Book Your NHS Health Check
You should receive a letter or phone call from your GP when it’s time for your checkup. If you haven’t heard anything and think you’re due, just call your practice and ask.
In some areas, local councils or pharmacies also offer health checks. These are ideal for people who may not visit their GP regularly.
One Check Can Make a Big Difference
The NHS Health Check is a free, simple way to learn more about your health and avoid problems in the future. It’s not about passing or failing a test. It’s about knowing where you stand and getting support if you need it.
If you’re between 40 and 74 and haven’t had your check in the last five years, take the first step today. Speak to your GP or local clinic. The information you get could help you live longer and feel better, too.