What happens at an NHS Health Check

The check takes about 20–30 minutes and you will be asked some questions about your general health and lifestyle and have a few straightforward health tests.

This allows the person carrying out your test to assess your risk of developing five different diseases: heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, kidney disease and dementia. They will also check for high blood pressure.

You will be asked about your family history, whether or not you smoke and how much alcohol you drink.
Your age, gender and ethnicity will be recorded.
You will be weighed and your body mass index (BMI) will be worked out.
Your blood pressure will be taken.
You will have a simple blood test to check your cholesterol.

The health professional who completed your check will give you all the results and talk to you about how to lower your risk and maintain a healthy lifestyle. They will also discuss any changes you may want to make to improve your health and you may be asked to do further tests. You will have the chance to ask questions too.

Published on: 04/09/2022