What Is an NHS Health Check? Who Gets One and What Happens
If you are 40 to 74 and do not have certain conditions, you should be invited for a free NHS Health Check every 5 years. Here is what it involves and how to get one.
Updated · 5 min read
The NHS Health Check is a free check-up of your heart and blood vessels for adults in England aged 40 to 74 who do not already have certain conditions. It takes about 20 to 30 minutes, includes blood pressure and cholesterol tests, and tells you your risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and kidney disease over the next 10 years. You should be invited every 5 years.
What the check is for
According to the NHS website, the NHS Health Check can show whether you are at higher risk of:
- heart disease
- diabetes
- kidney disease
- stroke
Many warning signs for these conditions, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol, have no symptoms. The check helps you spot your risk early so you can do something about it.
If you are over 65, you will also be told about symptoms of dementia to look out for, as some types share the same risk factors.
Who can have an NHS Health Check
The check is for people aged 40 to 74 who do not already have:
- heart disease or heart failure
- chronic kidney disease
- diabetes
- high blood pressure
- atrial fibrillation
- a stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA)
- inherited high cholesterol (familial hypercholesterolaemia)
- peripheral arterial disease
It is also not for people already prescribed medicines such as statins to lower cholesterol, or whose previous check found a 20% or higher risk of cardiovascular disease over 10 years.
If you already have one of these conditions, you should be offered regular check-ups as part of your care instead.
How to get an NHS Health Check
You should be invited every 5 years by your GP surgery or local council. In some areas, you may be invited to do the check online.
If you are eligible but have not been invited, contact your GP surgery. If your surgery does not offer NHS Health Checks, your local council can tell you where to book. You can find your local council on GOV.UK.
What happens at a Health Check appointment
The check is usually done by a nurse, healthcare assistant or pharmacist, and takes about 20 to 30 minutes. It normally includes:
- measuring your height and weight
- measuring your waist
- a blood pressure test
- a cholesterol test, and possibly a blood sugar test
You may be asked to have a blood test before or during the appointment.
You will also be asked about:
- medical conditions in your close family
- whether you smoke, and how much
- how much alcohol you drink
- how active you are
Your age, sex and ethnicity are recorded too, as they affect your risk.
Understanding your results
You will usually get your results during the appointment or soon after. The main result is your cardiovascular risk score: your chance of developing heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes or kidney disease over the next 10 years. It may be described as low, moderate or high.
Your results also include:
- your body mass index (BMI)
- your blood pressure
- your cholesterol levels
- your alcohol use score
- your physical activity level
- your diabetes risk
Because risk rises with age, your score may be higher at your next check even if your results are the same.
After your Health Check
At the end of the check, you can talk about your results and what would help. This might include advice on eating more healthily, being more active, losing weight, stopping smoking, or cutting down on salt or alcohol.
You may be referred to local services, such as stop smoking or physical activity services. If your results suggest a health problem, such as high blood pressure, you may be asked to see your GP for further tests or treatment, which could include medicines.
Some risk factors cannot be changed, such as your age, ethnicity and family history. But some of the most important ones, including smoking, cholesterol and blood pressure, can be.
Preparing for your check
- Check whether you need a blood test beforehand.
- Note any heart disease, stroke or diabetes in your parents, brothers or sisters.
- Bring a list of any medicines you take.
- Wear clothing that makes it easy to roll up your sleeve.
You can also try the NHS heart age calculator before your appointment.
Questions to ask at your Health Check
- What is my risk score, and what does it mean for me?
- Which of my results could I improve, and by how much?
- Do I need any follow-up tests or a GP appointment?
- What local services can help me stop smoking, move more or lose weight?
- When should I have my next check?
If you are outside the age range or already have a condition
If you already have a condition such as diabetes, high blood pressure or heart disease, the NHS website says you should be offered regular check-ups as part of your care. Ask your care team if you are not sure when your next review is due.
If you are under 40 and worried about your heart health, for example because of a strong family history, speak to your GP surgery. Some pharmacies also offer free blood pressure checks for some adults.
Health Check questions
Is the NHS Health Check free?
Yes. It is free for everyone who is eligible in England.
I am 38. Can I have one early?
The NHS Health Check is for people aged 40 to 74. If you are worried about your heart health before then, speak to your GP surgery or a pharmacist.
Is it the same as a blood test at my GP?
No. It is a broader check of your risk, combining measurements, a cholesterol test and questions about your lifestyle and family history.
Sources
Checked on 14 October 2026:
- NHS website: NHS Health Check
- GOV.UK: Find your local council
This guide explains the general rules for staff in England using 2026/27 figures. It is not financial advice. Your employer, payslip or NHS Pensions statement has the final word on your own pay.