Use this guide if you live in England and are aged 40 to 74, as you may be invited for a free NHS Health Check every five years. Different arrangements apply in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, so check with your GP surgery there.
Step by step
Check whether you are eligible
In England the NHS Health Check is usually offered to adults aged 40 to 74 who do not already have certain conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes or kidney disease. If you already have one of these, you should be monitored through your GP instead. If you are unsure, ask your GP surgery.
Book the check
You may receive a letter or text inviting you. If you think you are due and have not heard anything, contact your GP surgery. In some areas, checks are also offered at pharmacies or community venues.
Prepare for the appointment
Write down any family history of heart disease, stroke or diabetes, and any medicines you take. Wear clothing that makes it easy to have your blood pressure measured. Ask whether you need to do anything before a blood test.
Know what is checked
The check usually includes blood pressure, cholesterol, height, weight and waist measurement, and questions about lifestyle. It helps estimate your risk of conditions such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and kidney disease. Ask for your results and what they mean in plain language.
Agree next steps
Discuss practical changes you could make, such as more activity, eating differently, drinking less or stopping smoking. You may be offered free local support or further tests. Write down what you agreed and any follow-up dates.
Keep track of your numbers
Keep a note of your blood pressure and cholesterol results so you can compare them next time. Many pharmacies offer blood pressure checks for adults. If you have a very high reading and feel unwell, with symptoms such as chest pain or a severe headache, call 999.
Ready-to-use checklist
- Eligibility checked
- Check booked
- Family history written down
- Medicines list ready
- Results explained
- Next steps agreed
- Follow-up dates noted
- Results saved for next time
Practical tips
- Do not wait for a check if you have worrying symptoms; contact your GP or NHS 111.
- Take someone with you if you would like help remembering what is said.
- Check your results in the NHS App where available, so you have them to hand.
Common problems
I have not been invited but I think I am due.
Contact your GP surgery and ask whether you are eligible and how to book. Invitations are usually sent in rounds, so you might simply not have been reached yet.
My results show a higher risk and I feel worried.
A higher risk score is a prompt to act, not a diagnosis. Ask the health professional what matters most and which one or two changes to start with.
I cannot get to the surgery during working hours.
Ask about evening or weekend appointments, or whether a local pharmacy or community venue runs checks at other times.
This guide gives general information, not personal legal, financial or medical advice. Rules and prices change, so check the current position with the official service before acting.
This guide is free. Unlock all ABCDayZ guides from £3.99 – one payment, no automatic renewal.