NHS Health Check

You can get a free NHS Health Check if you're aged between 40 and 74 and don't have any of the following:

• 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
• according to previous checks, you have a 20% or higher risk of getting cardiovascular disease over the next 10 years

The check usually takes around 20 minutes. It includes a range of health and lifestyle questions, blood pressure and pulse rate checks, and a blood test for cholesterol.

You can then discuss your results with your GP. This includes your risk of developing a heart or circulatory disease and any steps you can take to reduce this. 

In Waltham Forest, NHS Health Checks are carried out by GP practices. Your practice will invite you to book an appointment by letter or text message. 

As we get older our risk of developing conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease or type 2 diabetes increases. Your NHS Health Check can spot early signs of these and help prevent them. This can help you enjoy life for longer. 

The check can also detect existing conditions (which may not have been spotted otherwise) so you can start getting treatment sooner. 

Find out more about NHS Health Checks and get support with making positive changes to your lifestyle. You can also take their free How are You? quiz. This provides personalised recommendations on the little things that could make a big difference to your health and wellbeing.

You can also get help to stop smoking and maintaining a healthy weight.