Free Heart Health Checks Offered to Leeds Residents Over 40

July 28, 2026 Off By

Leeds residents aged 40 and over encouraged to attend NHS Health Checks

Thousands of people in Leeds aged over 40 are being encouraged to take advantage of free heart health checks available at their local GP surgeries. The NHS Health Check aims to assess cardiovascular health and identify early risk factors for conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, stroke, and certain types of dementia.

Who is eligible?

All individuals aged between 40 and 74 who do not have a pre-existing cardiovascular condition are eligible for the NHS Health Check. Eligible residents should be invited to attend this free check every five years.

What does the check involve?

The appointment typically lasts 20 to 30 minutes and involves a supportive conversation about the patient’s health. It usually includes:

Measuring height, weight, and waist size
Blood pressure measurement
Cholesterol testing
Answering general health-related questions

Impact of the health checks in Leeds

In the previous year, 19,718 NHS Health Checks were carried out across Leeds. These checks identified:

572 people at high risk of developing cardiovascular disease
901 people diagnosed with high blood pressure (hypertension)
50 people with chronic kidney disease
296 people with undiagnosed diabetes
2,175 people at risk of developing diabetes

Despite this uptake, health leaders have indicated that there is capacity to carry out thousands more checks in the city.

Raising awareness

A campaign has been launched across Leeds to raise awareness of the NHS Health Check. This includes posters and messaging at bus stops, digital screens, flyers, and social media content to encourage eligible residents to book their appointments.

Statements from local officials

Victoria Eaton, Director of Public Health at Leeds City Council, highlighted the importance of the checks, stating that many people are unaware the service is free and available. She emphasised that the NHS Health Check helps people understand their health better, receive personalised advice, and detect conditions that may not show symptoms, such as high blood pressure or cholesterol.

Councillor Emma Flint, Executive Member for Equality, Adults and Health at Leeds City Council, urged all eligible residents to contact their GP if they have not yet received an invitation. She noted that even those feeling healthy should attend, as early detection can lead to actions that reduce the risk of serious health problems later in life.