Over 40s Health Check: What Happens and What Tests Should You Have at 40?

Turning 40 is often described as a health milestone. Your body begins to change in subtle ways that are not always obvious. Cholesterol may creep up. Blood pressure can shift. Hormone levels start to fluctuate. Some of these changes may not always be accompanied by noticeable symptoms. That is precisely why an over 40s health check has become an increasingly popular preventive screening option in the UK.

So what is the over 40 health check, and why does it matter? In simple terms, it is a structured blood test and health assessment designed to measure key biomarkers that become more relevant from your forties onwards. It is not about finding problems. It is about building a clearer picture of your current health so you can make informed decisions going forward.

Interest in private screening has grown significantly. More people now understand the importance of annual health screenings and want access to detailed, personalised results at a time that suits them. This guide explains what happens at an over 40s health check, what tests are included, and how screening supports long-term wellbeing.

What Is an Over 40s Health Check?
What Happens at an Over 40s Health Check?
What Health Tests Should I Have at 40?
Test Comparison Table
Who Should Prioritise Screening After 40?
Over 40 Health Check Private vs Standard Check
How Often Should You Have Health Tests at 40?
Key Takeaways
Frequently Asked Questions

What Is an Over 40s Health Check?

A health check at 40 is a preventive screening assessment that measures a range of blood-based biomarkers and physical health indicators. The purpose is simple — to give you a clear snapshot of how your body is performing at a stage when age-related changes begin to emerge.

What does the over 40 health check involve? Typically, it includes a blood draw to measure cardiovascular, metabolic, liver, kidney, thyroid, and nutritional markers. Some screenings also include a blood pressure reading and a health questionnaire covering family history and lifestyle factors.

The NHS offers a free health check for adults aged 40 to 74. It covers cardiovascular risk factors such as cholesterol, blood pressure, and body mass index. However, private screening options — such as a full body MOT — cover a broader range of biomarkers. Private panels often include 30 to 50+ biomarkers, covering areas the NHS check does not routinely assess, including vitamin levels, inflammation markers, and hormonal health.

A 40 year health check is not about replacing your GP or receiving a medical opinion. It is about equipping yourself with data. With a detailed set of results, you are better placed to understand your health and share meaningful information with appropriate healthcare services if needed.

What Happens at an Over 40s Health Check?

If you have never had one before, you might wonder what happens at an over 40s health check. The process is straightforward and designed to be as comfortable as possible.

1. Health Questionnaire

You will be asked about your medical history, family history, lifestyle habits, and any concerns. This helps provide context for your results.

2. Blood Pressure Measurement

Blood pressure is a key indicator of cardiovascular health. It takes just a few minutes and is entirely painless. Elevated blood pressure often has no symptoms, which is why routine checks are valuable.

3. Blood Sample Collection

A qualified phlebotomist takes a blood sample from your arm. This sample is sent to an accredited laboratory for analysis across multiple biomarker categories including a lipid profile, HbA1c, liver function, kidney function, and more.

4. Cardiovascular Risk Indicators

Your results will include markers linked to cardiovascular risk, such as cholesterol testing, triglycerides, and inflammation markers like high-sensitivity CRP. These help build a picture of heart health over time.

5. Metabolic Indicators

Markers such as fasting glucose and HbA1c provide insight into blood sugar regulation. These are particularly relevant after 40, when metabolic changes may begin to surface.

6. Detailed Written Report

After analysis, you receive a detailed report explaining each result with reference ranges. This report is yours to keep and to share with your own healthcare provider if you wish.

That is essentially what happens at a 40 year health check. The entire appointment typically takes 20 to 30 minutes. Results are usually available within a few working days.

What Health Tests Should I Have at 40?

This is one of the most common questions people ask when approaching their forties. The answer depends on your individual risk profile, but there are several categories of testing that become especially relevant at this stage of life.

1. Cardiovascular Health

Heart and circulatory health is a key area to consider monitoring after 40. Cholesterol testing through a full lipid profile measures total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and triglycerides. Elevated levels may contribute to cardiovascular risk over time.

Blood pressure checks are equally important. High blood pressure is often called a silent condition because it rarely causes noticeable symptoms. Routine measurement gives you a baseline to track over the years.

For a broader range of cardiovascular biomarkers, explore our advanced cardiovascular risk screening, which includes additional markers such as high-sensitivity CRP and other inflammation markers. You can also explore our cardiac risk screening options.

2. Diabetes and Metabolic Screening

After 40, the body's ability to regulate blood sugar can begin to change. Fasting glucose and HbA1c are two key markers used to assess how well your body manages sugar over time. HbA1c reflects average blood sugar levels over the previous two to three months, making it a reliable indicator.

Early awareness of metabolic changes can support better lifestyle choices. These markers are included in most health tests at 40 and form a key part of diabetes risk screening.

3. Cancer Risk Awareness

Certain cancers become more common with age. Blood-based screening can include tumour markers that may provide early awareness. For men, PSA testing is commonly included after 40 as part of prostate cancer risk screening.

For both men and women, bowel cancer risk screening may also be considered. These tests do not provide a definitive answer, but they can highlight areas where further investigation through appropriate healthcare services may be worthwhile.

4. Hormonal and Thyroid Health

Thyroid levels can shift gradually after 40. An underactive or overactive thyroid may affect energy, weight, mood, and metabolism. Thyroid screening typically includes TSH and free T4, providing data on key thyroid-related biomarkers.

Hormonal changes are also common at this age, particularly for women approaching perimenopause. Understanding your hormonal baseline can support informed conversations with your healthcare provider. Explore our hormonal imbalance screening for more details.

5. Nutritional and Vitamin Levels

Vitamin D deficiency is remarkably common in the UK, particularly during autumn and winter months. Low levels can affect bone health, immune function, and overall energy. Testing vitamin D alongside B12 and iron gives a useful nutritional snapshot.

B12 is essential for nerve function and red blood cell production. Iron studies, including ferritin, help assess your body's iron stores. These markers are commonly included in screening for those with dietary restrictions. If you are experiencing persistent fatigue or low energy, seek medical advice from your GP.

Health Tests at 40: What They Cover

Test Category	Why It Matters at 40	What It May Highlight
Lipid Profile	Cholesterol levels tend to rise with age	Elevated LDL, low HDL, or high triglycerides
HbA1c & Fasting Glucose	Metabolic function may slow after 40	Blood sugar regulation patterns
Liver Function	Years of lifestyle factors may affect the liver	Elevated liver enzymes such as ALT, AST, or GGT
Kidney Function	Kidney efficiency can decline gradually	Changes in eGFR, creatinine, or urea levels
Thyroid Levels	Thyroid imbalances become more common	Underactive or overactive thyroid patterns
Vitamin D & B12	Deficiency risk increases with age and lifestyle	Low vitamin stores, which may relate to energy, immunity, and bone health
Inflammation Markers	Chronic low-grade inflammation is linked to ageing	Raised CRP levels, which can be discussed with your healthcare provider
Cancer Markers	Risk of certain cancers rises after 40	Elevated PSA or CA-125 for further awareness

Who Should Prioritise Screening After 40?

While a health check for 40 year olds is available to everyone, some individuals may benefit more than others. If any of the following apply to you, proactive screening may be particularly relevant.

Family history of heart disease, diabetes, or cancer
Sedentary lifestyle or limited physical activity
High-stress occupation or prolonged stress
Unexplained weight changes (speak to your GP about symptoms)
Persistent fatigue or low energy levels (speak to your GP about symptoms)
History of smoking or regular alcohol consumption
Dietary concerns such as plant-based or restricted diets
No recent health assessment or blood work

Some health markers may change over time without being immediately apparent. Certain metabolic markers — including blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure — may shift gradually and are not always reflected in how you feel day to day. Explore our metabolic syndrome screening to learn more about these interconnected risk factors.

Over 40 Health Check Private vs Standard Check

If you are considering an over 40 health check private option, it is helpful to understand how it differs from the standard NHS Health Check.

	NHS Health Check	Private 40 Health Check
Biomarkers Tested	5–10 markers	30–50+ markers across a broader range of categories
Waiting Time	Weeks to months	Same-week appointments available
Vitamins & Nutrition	Not routinely included	Vitamin D, B12, folate, iron
Thyroid & Hormones	Not routinely included	Full thyroid and hormonal panels
Inflammation Markers	Not included	High-sensitivity CRP included
Results Report	Verbal summary	Detailed written report with reference ranges

The NHS Health Check is a valuable service. However, if you are interested in a broader range of biomarkers — including areas like thyroid levels, vitamin D, and inflammation markers — a private over 40 health check option includes additional categories.

Explore our screening packages to find a panel tailored to your age and health goals.

How Often Should You Have Health Tests at 40?

There is no single answer that applies to everyone. However, some individuals choose to have a health screening annually as part of their personal health routine. This allows you to track trends in your results and observe patterns over time.

If you have known risk factors — such as a family history of heart disease or diabetes — more frequent testing may be appropriate. Similarly, if your first 40 health check highlights a marker that is borderline, your healthcare provider may recommend a follow-up test in six months rather than waiting a full year.

Lifestyle factors also play a role. If you have recently changed your diet, started exercising more, or made other positive health changes, a follow-up blood test can help measure the impact of those improvements. This is a valuable aspect of regular screening — seeing the data reflect your efforts.

Key Takeaways

An over 40s health check is a preventive screening that measures key blood-based biomarkers relevant to this stage of life.
Tests typically cover cardiovascular risk, metabolic health, liver and kidney function, thyroid levels, vitamin levels, and inflammation markers.
Private screening includes a broader range of biomarkers than the standard NHS Health Check, including vitamin D, B12, and hormonal panels.
Adults with family history, sedentary lifestyles, or persistent fatigue may benefit most from proactive testing.
Annual screening is one approach to tracking trends and supporting long-term wellbeing.
Results are for informational and educational purposes. If any results fall outside reference ranges, seek medical advice from appropriate healthcare services.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the over 40 health check?

It is a preventive health screening designed for adults aged 40 and over. It typically involves a blood test measuring key biomarkers related to cardiovascular health, metabolic function, liver and kidney performance, thyroid levels, and nutritional status. The aim is to give you a detailed picture of your current health.

What happens at an over 40s health check?

You will complete a health questionnaire, have your blood pressure measured, and provide a blood sample for laboratory analysis. The blood is tested across multiple biomarker categories. You then receive a detailed written report with your results and reference ranges.

What health checks should I have at 40?

Key areas include cholesterol testing (lipid profile), blood sugar assessment (HbA1c and fasting glucose), liver function, kidney function, thyroid levels, vitamin D, B12, iron studies, and inflammation markers. Cancer markers such as PSA for men may also be considered.

Is an over 40 health check private worth it?

Private screening typically offers a much broader range of biomarkers than the standard NHS check. It includes areas such as vitamin levels, thyroid function, and inflammation markers that are not routinely tested on the NHS. If you are looking for a broader range of biomarkers, a private 40 health check covers more areas than the standard NHS check.

How often should I have a 40 year health check?

For most adults over 40, an annual screening is a good starting point. If you have specific risk factors or borderline results, more frequent testing — such as every six months — may be helpful. Your healthcare provider can help you decide the most appropriate frequency for your situation.

What does the over 40 health check involve?

The check involves a health questionnaire, blood pressure measurement, and a blood draw. The blood sample is analysed for a wide range of biomarkers including cardiovascular risk, metabolic health, organ function, hormones, vitamins, and inflammation. You receive a detailed written report explaining each result.

Take an Informed Approach to Your Health

Reaching 40 is a natural milestone — and a time when many people choose to check in with their health. An over 40s health check gives you clear, measurable data about how your body is performing. It supports informed decisions and helps you build a picture of your wellbeing that you can track over time.

Whether you are screening for the first time or making it part of your annual routine, the value lies in awareness. Understanding your biomarkers can help inform your personal health decisions.

If you are interested in learning more about what health checks should I have at 40, explore our screening options to find a panel that aligns with your health goals and lifestyle.