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How is the NHS Health Check done?

An NHS Health Check takes about 20 to 30 minutes to complete by one of our Health Check Practitioners.

There will be some simple questions, measurements and tests performed to work out your risk score.

The questions you are asked will include:

  • Whether any of your relatives have had the illnesses being checked for
  • How much you smoke, if at all
  • How much alcohol you drink, if any
  • How much physical activity you do

Your weight and height will be measured to work out if you are a healthy weight for your height. Your waist may also be measured using a tape measure.

Your age, gender and ethnicity will be recorded.

Your blood pressure will be measured and you will have a small sample of blood taken from your finger to check your cholesterol level and possibly also your blood sugar level.

Getting your results

You'll usually be told your NHS Health Check results during the appointment.

You'll be given a cardiovascular disease risk score, which is an estimate of how likely you are to get heart disease or have a stroke in the next 10 years. You'll also find out your possible risk of developing kidney disease and Type 2 diabetes.

The higher your risk score, the more likely you are to develop one of these illnesses.

Depending on your score, you'll be given advice about how to lower your risk with lifestyle changes.

This could include talking about how to:

  • Improve your diet
  • Increase the amount of exercise you do
  • Lose weight
  • Stop smoking

You may also receive information about local services that can support you to make any changes.

If you're over 65, you'll also be told the signs and symptoms of dementia to look out for.

How will it help me?

How to book

The NHS Health Check is free to book and now available across Norfolk.

Click here to book