Fewer than half of 40s attend NHS health checks
The NHS Health Check program is failing to reach nearly three-quarters of people in their forties, according to a new analysis of 925,072 eligible individuals between 2015 and 2025. Only 48% of those invited attended their check-up, with 76% of non-attendees aged 40-49, compared to just 16% in their 50s and 7% in their 60s. Men made up 60% of those who skipped the checks.
Researchers at Imperial College London’s Health Impact Lab found that non-attendance carries significant health risks. People who missed their Health Check had a 31% higher risk of dying from any cause and a 9% higher likelihood of experiencing a first non-fatal heart attack or stroke. The data suggests that younger adults, who may not yet perceive themselves as at risk, are the most likely to opt out.
The NHS Health Check, offered every five years to English residents aged 40-74 without pre-existing conditions, includes blood pressure, weight, cholesterol, and cardiovascular risk assessments. In North West London alone, the checks identified 7,806 cases of high blood pressure, 4,587 new type 2 diabetes diagnoses, and 36,655 individuals with at least a 10% risk of developing cardiovascular disease within a decade. Nearly 55% of those with high blood pressure reduced it to healthy levels within six months of their check-up.
This gap in engagement mirrors broader trends in preventive healthcare, where younger adults often underestimate their risk despite evidence that early intervention can prevent serious conditions. The study’s findings align with past research showing that cardiovascular risks often emerge before symptoms appear, yet many in their forties remain disengaged from preventive measures. Unlike older age groups, who may feel more immediate health concerns, younger adults frequently dismiss the need for screening until symptoms force action.
Researchers now propose targeted strategies to improve attendance, including revised invitation letters, digital reminders, and offering checks in alternative settings or at expanded hours. Dr. Federica Re, a clinical research fellow at Imperial College London, emphasized the need for more personalized outreach using linked NHS data to identify and engage those currently missed. The study was presented at the recent European Society of Cardiology Congress in Munich.
