How often should I have a heart health check?

It depends on age, results and local programmes; the NHS Health Check is offered every five years to eligible adults.

Prevention · Screening

Heart health screening

Which checks help assess heart and circulation health: blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and risk scores. Learn what a typical heart health check includes.

Written by LON6EVITY Editorial Team · Last updated 2026-09-29

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Overview

Heart health screening means checking the main modifiable risk factors before symptoms appear. In England, the NHS Health Check offers adults aged 40 to 74 a check of blood pressure, cholesterol and other risk factors.

What is usually checked

Blood pressure, a cholesterol test, sometimes a blood sugar test, height, weight and questions about smoking, activity and family history. These are combined into an estimate of cardiovascular risk.

Additional markers

Some clinicians add markers such as ApoB or a one-off Lp(a) test for extra detail, particularly with a family history of early heart disease.

After the check

Results are used to discuss lifestyle changes and, where appropriate, treatment. Repeat intervals depend on results and local guidance.

Questions people commonly ask

How often should I have a heart health check?: It depends on age, results and local programmes; the NHS Health Check is offered every five years to eligible adults.

Related biomarkers

BiomarkerApolipoprotein B (ApoB)

Related tests

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Sources

NHS Health Check. NHS.
Cardiovascular disease. NHS.