Get your FREE NHS health check

News - 10 January 2017

A great way to take control of your health and wellbeing is to have a health check. They are FREE for people aged 40 to 74, and people are encouraged to get their health check done every five years.
NHS Health check Poster, Outline of Person, Cogs represent Conditions, Stroke, Heart Disease, Diabetes, Kidney Diesease

As we get older, we have a higher risk of developing conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease or type 2 diabetes.

Your free NHS health check only takes 20 minutes and can spot early signs and help prevent these happening to you, which means you'll be more likely to enjoy life for longer.

For details on how to get your health check please explore your area or contact your local Council 

Brighton & Hove

East Sussex

What is an NHS Health Check?

  • The NHS Health Check is a health check-up for adults in England aged 40 to 74.
  • It's designed to spot early signs of stroke, kidney disease, heart disease, type 2 diabetes or dementia.
  • As we get older, we have a higher risk of developing one of these conditions. An NHS Health Check helps find ways to lower this risk.

Am I eligible for an NHS Check?

The check is for people who are 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 being 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

How do I get an NHS Check?

  • If you're in the 40 to 74 age group without a pre-existing condition, you should receive a letter from your GP surgery or local council inviting you for a free NHS Health Check every 5 years.
  • You can also call your GP surgery to book a Health Check. You may want to try this online Heart Age test.

How can I improve my test results?

  • Once you've had your NHS Health Check, your healthcare professional will discuss your results with you.
  • You'll be given advice to help you lower your risk of a stroke, kidney disease, heart disease, diabetes or dementia, and maintain or improve your health.
  • But you do not have to wait until then to make healthy changes. Take the How Are You quiz and start now with these health apps and trackers.