Why Regular Health Checks Matter

Prevention Is Better Than Cure

Many of the most serious health conditions — heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, kidney disease — develop gradually over years without obvious symptoms. By the time you notice something is wrong, significant damage may have already occurred. This is why regular health checks are so important.

The NHS Health Check programme is designed to detect early warning signs and help you take action before a condition becomes serious. It is one of the most valuable preventive services available, and it is completely free.

The NHS Health Check

If you are aged between 40 and 74 and have not already been diagnosed with a cardiovascular condition, you are eligible for a free NHS Health Check every five years. The check takes about 20-30 minutes and is carried out by our healthcare assistant or practice nurse.

What Happens During a Health Check?

The NHS Health Check assesses your risk of developing:

• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Type 2 diabetes
• Kidney disease
• Dementia (for those over 65)

During the check, we will measure:

• Blood pressure: High blood pressure is the single biggest risk factor for stroke and a major risk factor for heart disease
• Cholesterol levels: A simple finger-prick blood test to check your total cholesterol and HDL (good) cholesterol ratio
• Body mass index (BMI): Your height and weight are measured to calculate your BMI
• Blood sugar: A test for diabetes risk, especially important if you have a family history or are overweight

We will also discuss:

• Your family history of cardiovascular disease
• Your lifestyle — smoking, alcohol consumption, diet, and physical activity
• Your mental wellbeing

What Happens After Your Check?

Based on your results, we calculate your cardiovascular risk score using the QRISK3 tool. This gives a percentage chance of having a heart attack or stroke in the next 10 years. If your risk is elevated, we can take action early:

• Lifestyle advice: Targeted guidance on diet, exercise, and smoking cessation
• Medication: Statins for high cholesterol, antihypertensives for high blood pressure
• Referrals: To specialist services if needed (weight management, diabetes prevention)
• Follow-up: More frequent monitoring to track improvements

"The NHS Health Check programme prevents an estimated 500 heart attacks and strokes every year in England. A 20-minute appointment could add years to your life."

Other Screening Programmes

Beyond the NHS Health Check, several other screening programmes are available through your GP:

• Cervical screening: Women aged 25-64 are invited for regular smear tests
• Breast screening: Women aged 50-71 are invited for mammograms every 3 years
• Bowel cancer screening: Everyone aged 54-74 receives a home testing kit every 2 years
• Abdominal aortic aneurysm screening: Men are invited for an ultrasound scan in the year they turn 65
• Diabetic eye screening: Annual eye checks for everyone with diabetes

How to Book Your Health Check

If you are eligible for an NHS Health Check, we will invite you by letter, text, or telephone. However, you do not need to wait for an invitation. If you are aged 40-74 and have not had a Health Check in the last five years, contact our reception team to book one.

For patients outside the eligible age range, we offer private health checks and assessments. Ask our reception team for details.