The NHS health check is a free assessment funded by the Council. It's for people aged 40 to 74 who do not have an existing heart disease. The purpose is to prevent conditions like:
- diabetes
- heart disease
- stroke
- dementia
It is an opportunity to prevent future health problems and to get advice on how to make healthy changes now.
How to book an appointment
If you are eligible, and are registered with a participating GP, you will automatically be invited once every five years. Once you get your invitation, follow the instructions to book your appointment. Alternatively, you contact your GP to request a check.
If you are concerned about your health and your GP is not participating in the programme you can contact them in the usual way to request an appointment.
You can find GPs near you using the NHS service search
What happens at a health check?
The health check will be carried out by a trained practitioner. Four basic tests will be taken:
- Cholesterol test to find out if your cholesterol is high.
- Body Mass Index (BMI) test to determine if you are a healthy weight.
- Blood pressure will be tested by placing a cuff around your arm.
- Diabetes risk assessment: This uses your BMI, blood pressure and your health questionnaire. You may be asked to do further tests if you are found to be at risk.
Patient information leaflets
You can find more information by viewing the Patient information leaflet.
You can also view Easy Read, large print and translated versions.
NHS Website
The NHS website has more information about the benefits of having an NHS health check. It explains the conditions or risk factors that it can help identify, and what they might mean.