Free NHS Health Check Helping you prevent heart disease, stroke, diabetes and kidney disease.

Free NHS Health Check

Helping you prevent heart disease, stroke, diabetes and kidney disease.

Working together to improve your health
Everyone is at risk of developing heart disease, stroke, diabetes or kidney disease. The good news is that these conditions can often be prevented – even if you have a history of them in your family. Have your free NHS Health Check and you will be better prepared for the future and be able to take steps to maintain or improve your health.
Why do I need an NHS Health Check?
We know that your risk of developing heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and kidney disease increases with age. There are also certain things that will put you at even greater risk. These are:
•
being overweight
•
lack of exercise
•
smoking
•
high blood pressure
•
high cholesterol.
Both men and women can develop these conditions, and having one could increase your risk of developing another in the future.
•
In the brain a blocked artery or a bleed can cause a stroke.
•
In the heart a blocked arterycan cause a heart attack or angina.
•
The kidneys can be damaged byhigh blood pressure or diabetes, causing chronic kidney disease and increasing your risk of having a heart attack.
•
Being overweight and alack of exercise can lead to type 2 diabetes.
•
If unrecognised or unmanaged, type 2 diabetes could increase your risk of further health problems, including heart disease, kidney disease and stroke

Questions you may have
Why do I need this check? I feel fi ne!
The NHS Health Check helps to identify potential risks early. By having this check and following the advice of your health professional, you improve your chances of living a healthier life.
But don’t these conditions run in the family?
If you have a history of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes or kidney disease in your family then you may be more at risk. Taking action now can help you to prevent the onset of these conditions.
I know what I’m doing wrong, how can the doctor help me?
If you would like help, we will work with you to fi nd ways to reach your healthy weight, take more exercise or stop smoking. You may be prescribed medication to help lower your risk.
If I am assessed as being at ‘low risk’, does this mean I won’t develop these conditions?
It is impossible to say that someone will or won’t go on to develop one of these conditions. But taking action now can help you lower your potential risk.
Will everyone have this check?
This check is part of a new national scheme to help prevent the onset of these health problems. Everyone between the ages of 40 and 74 who has not been diagnosed with the conditions mentioned will be invited for a check once every fi ve years. If you are outside the age range and concerned about your health, you should contact your GP.

For more information visit
www.nhs.uk/nhshealthcheck
or call the NHS Health Check
helpline on 0845 850 9850
Calls cost a maximum of 5p per minute from
a BT landline. Mobiles and other networks may
vary. You may be charged a minimum cost per call.

Resource Category:

Health and Well Being