The NHS Health Check (UK) / Equivalent (US/AU)
The NHS offers a free health check every 5 years for adults aged 40–74. It assesses your risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, kidney disease, and dementia.
| What's Checked | Why |
|---|---|
| Blood pressure | #1 modifiable risk factor for stroke and heart disease |
| Total cholesterol + HDL | Cardiovascular risk assessment |
| Blood glucose or HbA1c | Type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes |
| BMI | Obesity-related disease risk |
| Waist circumference | Central obesity — stronger CVD predictor than BMI |
| Smoking and alcohol | Lifestyle risk factors |
| Family history | Hereditary conditions |
Recommended Blood Tests in Your 40s
| Test | Frequency | Why It Matters in Your 40s |
|---|---|---|
| Lipid profile (cholesterol) | Every 5 years (or annually if elevated) | LDL rises from 40s; early statin can prevent events |
| HbA1c / fasting glucose | Every 3 years (or annually if pre-diabetic) | Type 2 diabetes peaks in 40s–50s |
| Thyroid (TSH) | Every 5 years (especially women) | Thyroid disease common in women from 40s |
| FBC + iron (women) | Every 3 years | Pre-menopausal iron loss + perimenopause transition |
| Vitamin D | Every 2–3 years | Deficiency increasingly common |
| Blood pressure | Every year | Silent hypertension from 40s |
QRISK3Your GP calculates your 10-year cardiovascular risk using QRISK3. If risk is ≥10%, lifestyle advice is given. If ≥10% with trial of lifestyle for 3 months, statins are offered. Ask for your QRISK3 score at your health check.
Cancer Screenings Starting in Your 40s–50s
| Cancer | Screening | Age (UK) |
|---|---|---|
| Bowel cancer | Bowel scope (sigmoidoscopy) once | 55 (UK); faecal immunochemical test 50–74 |
| Breast cancer (women) | Mammogram every 3 years | 50–71 in UK (extension to 47–73 planned) |
| Cervical (women) | Smear every 3 years | 25–49 (every 5 years from 50) |
| Aortic aneurysm (men) | Abdominal ultrasound once | 65 |
What is pre-diabetes and should I be worried?
Pre-diabetes (HbA1c 42–47 mmol/mol; fasting glucose 6.1–6.9 mmol/L) means blood sugar is above normal but not yet diabetic. With lifestyle changes, 50% of people with pre-diabetes avoid developing type 2 diabetes.
How do I know if I have high blood pressure?
High blood pressure has NO symptoms until very advanced. A single reading >140/90 warrants monitoring. Diagnosis requires sustained readings over 3 months or a high one-off reading (>180/120).
Should I check my heart privately?
A coronary calcium score (CAC) CT scan is a private test that directly shows calcium deposits in heart arteries — the most accurate predictor of future heart attack. Worth considering if QRISK3 is borderline and you want more certainty.
Medical Disclaimer: This page is for general education only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.