The NHS Health Check is a free health check-up for adults in England aged 40-74. It's designed to help 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.
Why should I have a NHS Health Check?
It's not only an opportunity to put right any health problems, but to get personalised advice on keeping yourself healthy and active in the future.
After a check you will be more confident and know more about your health. You should also receive personalised advice on how to improve or maintain your health. It will give you the knowledge you need to take control of your health.
Who is eligible for an NHS Health Check?
To be eligible for this NHS Health Check you must live in the NHS area or be registered with a GP within NHS.
The service is only available for individuals between the age of 40 – 74 who have not received a health check in the last 5 years and do not have pre-existing diagnosis of the following:
Coronary Heart Disease
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) which has been classified (stage 3 – 5).
Diabetes
Hypertension
Atrial Fibrillation
Ischaemic Heart Disease
Hypercholesterolemia – defined as familial hypercholesterolemia
Heart failure
Peripheral arterial disease
Stroke/TIA
Prescribed statins for the purpose of lowering cholesterol
If you are not eligible for an NHS health check but would like to take a proactive approach to your health. Please visit Randox Health to view the tests that are available through our service https://www.randoxhealth.com/
What happens at the check?
An NHS Health Check will include:
height and weight measurements
blood pressure measurements
waist measurement
a simple finger stick test for cholesterol
questions about your health, diet, exercise and family medical history
assessment of your level of cardiovascular risk and what you can do to reduce it
What happens after the check?
After your NHS Health Check, you will be receive a number of results. This is the time to take action to improve these results to give you a longer, better life.
Research shows small changes to your habits can have a surprising effect on your health. By giving up smoking or taking up regular physical activity you can reduce your risk of heart attack, stroke and cancer. Changes like this could add many years to your life.
Your GP will follow-up with you for any results that require further primary care attention.
Who are Randox Health?
Established in 1982, Randox is the largest healthcare diagnostics company in the UK. Our goal is to provide individuals with access to unrivalled health data that empowers them to take control of their health and make positive changes to help prevent future illness. For more information visit www.randoxhealth.com.
Preparing for your NHS Health Check
It is not necessary to fast overnight, but we do recommend that you don't eat, smoke or drink (except water) for two hours before the Health Check
Avoid heavy exercise prior to the Health Check
Ideally wear a short sleeve top to allow your blood pressure to be measured easily