What is an NHS Health Check?
NHS Health Checks are part of a national programme. They help you find out if you are at risk of getting conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels (cardiovascular disease). These include:
- heart disease
- stroke
- kidney disease
- diabetes
- some forms of dementia
Many of the warning signs for these conditions, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol, do not have symptoms. At your NHS Health Check appointment you will have some tests and be asked questions about your lifestyle. This information is used to find out your risk of developing heart disease or a stroke in the next 10 years.
Everyone is at risk of developing cardiovascular disease. However, the good news is there is lots you can do to reduce your risk and keep it low as you get older. Cardiovascular disease can often be prevented by making simple lifestyle changes. Some people might also be advised to take medicines.
Take up your offer of a FREE NHS Health Check and improve your health.
Who is the NHS Health Check for?
The check is for people who are aged 40 to 74 who do not have any of the following 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
If you have one of these conditions you should already be having regular check-ups.
It sounds like a good idea - can I have one?
In Cornwall, most NHS Health Checks are delivered by GPs or members of their team. Invites are usually issued once every 5 years, when you are in a milestone birthday year i.e. when you are aged 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, and 70. You may also be offered an NHS Health Check in your workplace or other community venue.
Do you think you are eligible for an NHS Health Check and are in a milestone birthday year but have not received an invite? If so, contact your GP surgery to find out if they offer NHS Health Checks, or you can contact us by emailing phdesk@cornwall.gov.uk
NHS Health Checks do not replace usual care and if you are concerned about any aspect of your health you should contact your GP.
What does the NHS Health Check involve?
The check will last about 20 minutes and includes:
- measuring your height and weight
- checking your pulse and blood pressure
- having a simple blood test to check your cholesterol
You will also be asked some questions including:
- whether any of your close relatives have had heart disease or a stroke
- if you smoke
- if you drink alcohol
- how much physical activity you do.
Your age, gender, and ethnicity will also be recorded.
What happens with my results?
You will usually be given your results during the appointment. Your results will also be shared with your GP. The practitioner will explain what your results mean, and you will be given a booklet with more information. There is also information on the Healthy Cornwall website. After your appointment, if you would like help to make lifestyle changes you can make an appointment to talk to one of the friendly and knowledgeable health improvement practitioners at Healthy Cornwall.
If the results for some of your tests were high, you may be advised to see your GP for further investigations. For example, for type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or kidney disease. Some people may be advised to take medicine to maintain their health.
Take up your offer of a FREE NHS Health Check and improve your health.
I’m not eligible for an NHS Health Check. What other help is available?
Is your GP unable to offer you an NHS Health Check, or do you not meet the eligibility criteria? There is still lots you can do to help reduce your risk of developing cardiovascular disease in the future.
Making small changes to your lifestyle can have a big impact, including:
- stopping smoking
- eating a healthier diet
- being more physically active
If you are thinking about making lifestyle changes, Healthy Cornwall is available to support you. As well as information on the Healthy Cornwall website, there is also l Healthy Cornwall Facebook page. Health tips are frequently posted as well as information on what is going on in different areas. There are also videos on YouTube to help you make healthy choices. Alternatively, the Better Health website provides lots of useful information about changes you can make to improve or maintain your health.
It is also a good idea to get your blood pressure checked regularly. Most community pharmacies offer free blood pressure checks to people aged 40 or over who do not already have high blood pressure. Take a look on the NHS website to find details of participating pharmacies. Alternatively, you can borrow a blood pressure machine from your local Council library and check your blood pressure at home.