Less than half of people who are eligible for an NHS health check in England have taken up the offer despite being free to anyone who is over 40.
The routine check can help to detect heart problems early and help prevent dementia plus highlight the need to stop smoking. The check takes 20 minutes and is pain free, it is carried out by a GP or nurse. The check tests your blood pressure, weight and height; it is only to be carried out every 5 years.
Symptoms like a high blood pressure or an irregular heartbeat can increase your risk of a stroke or heart attack therefore, these tests are very important. The national health check will also pick up signs of conditions such as kidney disease and type 2 diabetes; it has also started to add support and information on preventing dementia.
Even though it is free less than 50% of 15 million people that are eligible took the check-up. NHS England has committed to improving care for heart conditions and strokes as part of their long-term plan.
According to NHS England, on average every four strokes can be prevented for 100 people who are identified with atrial fibrillation and receiving anticoagulation medication which helps to thin, prevent and break up dangerous blood clots.
Alistair Burns, National Clinical Director for Dementia and Older People’s Mental Health for NHS England said: “Heart disease and dementia are two of the biggest health risks facing people in our country and the national health check will help stop both.
“Attending a free NHS health check is a great opportunity to discuss existing health conditions, and to work out how to reduce the risk of developing dementia and other illness in the future.
“The start of a new year is exactly the right time to resolve commit to taking a simple, free and potentially life-saving step towards a healthier life.”
To be eligible for the checks you have to be aged between 40 and 74 with no pre-existing health conditions. If you match what is needed you should get invited to your local GP surgery and this will continue every five years. After the age of 74 you can request health check-ups from your GP or nurse.
Check-ups may include some advice to work on to get healthy or to lower your risk, they are usually:
- improving your diet
- taking more exercise
- taking medicines to lower blood pressure or cholesterol
- losing weight
- stopping smoking
