What is an NHS Health check?

An NHS Health Check is a free program offered by the National Health Service in the United Kingdom. It aims to assess an individual’s risk of developing common health conditions such as heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, diabetes, and dementia. The check is available to individuals who are over the age of 40 and do not have a previous diagnosis of these conditions. By identifying potential risks early on, the NHS Health Check helps individuals take proactive steps to prevent the onset of these conditions and maintain good health.

The Importance of an NHS Health Check

Even if you are feeling well, it is still worthwhile to have an NHS Health Check. Many of these conditions can be prevented or managed effectively with early intervention and lifestyle changes, even if there is a family history of them. By participating in the check, individuals can gain a better understanding of their current health status and receive personalised advice on how to reduce their risk and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

The primary aim of the NHS Health Check is to reduce the risk of developing conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels, such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease. These conditions often present with few noticeable symptoms, making early detection and prevention crucial. By undergoing an NHS Health Check, individuals can gain valuable insights into their health status and take proactive steps to improve their well-being.

In addition to its focus on cardiovascular health, the NHS Health Check also addresses shared risk factors for other conditions, including type 2 diabetes, preventable cancers, and respiratory illnesses. Regular check-ups can help individuals reduce their likelihood of developing these conditions as well.

Notably, there is a significant overlap between risk factors for dementia and heart disease. As a result, individuals aged over 65 who undergo an NHS Health Check will also receive further information about dementia symptoms to watch out for, further promoting holistic health and well-being.

Who is Eligible for an NHS Health Check?

The NHS Health Check is available for individuals aged 40 to 74 who do not have any pre-existing conditions such as heart disease, chronic kidney disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation, transient ischemic attack, inherited high cholesterol, heart failure, peripheral arterial disease, stroke, or currently being prescribed statins to lower cholesterol. Additionally, individuals who have previously undergone checks that have identified a 20% or higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease over the next ten years should also have regular check-ups.

It is important to note that if you have any of the aforementioned conditions, you should continue to have regular check-ups with your healthcare team to monitor and manage your health effectively.

How to Obtain an NHS Health Check

If you meet the eligibility criteria for a free NHS Health Check, you should be invited to undergo the assessment at your GP practice every five years. However, if you believe you are eligible but have not received an invitation, you can contact your GP surgery to inquire about the availability of NHS Health Checks or reach out to your local council for information on where you can receive the check in your area. Some pharmacies may also offer NHS Health Checks, so it’s worth checking with them as well.

Identifying Risks and Assessing Health

During an NHS Health Check, individuals can expect a comprehensive assessment of their risk factors for heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, kidney disease, and other related conditions. The check typically takes about 20-30 minutes to complete and involves various elements to gather relevant information:

• Simple questions: Individuals will be asked a series of simple questions about their family history, lifestyle choices, and physical activity levels that may impact their health
• Physical measurements: The healthcare professional will record height, weight, body mass index (BMI), age, sex, and ethnicity to further assess the individual’s overall health
• Blood pressure check: Blood pressure will be measured to evaluate cardiovascular health and identify any potential risks
• Cholesterol level check: A cholesterol test will be conducted to assess lipid levels in the blood, providing insights into heart health and potential risks

Understanding Your NHS Health Check results

Following the assessment, the healthcare professional will discuss your NHS Health Check test results with you. You will receive a cardiovascular risk score, which indicates your likelihood of developing heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, or kidney disease over the next ten years. The risk score may be categorised as low, moderate, or high.

It’s important to note that certain factors influencing your risk, such as age, ethnicity, and family history, cannot be changed. However, there are key factors within your control that significantly impact your risk score, such as smoking, cholesterol levels, and blood pressure. By making positive lifestyle changes and addressing these modifiable risk factors, you can reduce your risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

The results of your NHS Health Check programme will also provide a breakdown of various aspects of your health, including:

• Body mass index (BMI) score: This score reflects your weight in relation to your height, providing insights into whether you fall within a healthy weight range
• Blood pressure: Your blood pressure measurements indicate the health of your cardiovascular system and whether any intervention is required to manage it
• Cholesterol levels: Assessing your cholesterol levels helps determine your risk of heart disease and other related conditions
• Alcohol use score: This score evaluates your alcohol consumption habits and highlights any potential risks associated with excessive drinking
• Physical activity assessment result: Based on your reported physical activity levels, this result emphasizes the importance of regular exercise for maintaining good health
• Diabetes risk assessment: This assessment evaluates your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, providing insight into potential preventive measures

At the end of your NHS Health Check, you will have the opportunity to discuss your results and receive guidance on how to improve your scores. This may involve personalised advice on improving your diet, increasing physical activity, losing weight, quitting smoking, reducing salt intake, lowering alcohol consumption, or managing cholesterol levels. Additionally, you may be referred to local services such as stop-smoking programs or physical activity services to facilitate and support lifestyle changes.

Conclusion

The NHS Health Check program plays a crucial role in preventing and managing cardiovascular disease and associated conditions. By assessing individual risks, providing personalized advice, and encouraging lifestyle changes, the program empowers individuals to take control of their health and reduce the chances of developing these common health problems. By promoting the benefits of the NHS Health Check and collaborating with health professionals, managers, and leaders, the program can effectively reach eligible individuals and contribute to improved health outcomes for the population.

Sources

• NHS Health Check – NHS
• NHS Health Checks: applying All Our Health – GOV.UK
• NHS health check PDF