In short: From 40 onwards, men's risk of high blood pressure, raised cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, heart disease and some cancers rises, often without symptoms. A health check over 40 should cover blood pressure, cholesterol and heart risk, blood sugar (HbA1c), weight and waist, kidney and liver function, lifestyle and mental wellbeing, plus an informed conversation about prostate health. Many problems found early can be improved with lifestyle changes or treatment.

This guide, written by a Ready Health prescribing pharmacist, explains what a male health check over 40 should include, which NHS checks and screening you are entitled to, and how a private check in Wigan can fit alongside them.

Why should men over 40 have a health check?

Many of the conditions that drive heart attacks and strokes, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and type 2 diabetes, are "silent" for years. Men also tend to visit their GP less often than women. A structured check gives you a baseline, identifies risks early and helps you decide what to change.

What should a male health check over 40 include?

Check	Why it matters
Blood pressure	High blood pressure rarely causes symptoms but is a major risk factor for stroke, heart attack and kidney disease.
Cholesterol and heart risk score	A lipid profile combined with a risk calculator (such as QRISK3) estimates your 10-year chance of a heart attack or stroke.
HbA1c (blood sugar)	Identifies type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, which can be present without symptoms.
Weight, BMI and waist	Carrying weight around the middle is linked to diabetes and heart disease.
Kidney and liver function	Picks up early changes linked to blood pressure, diabetes, alcohol or fatty liver.
Lifestyle review	Smoking, alcohol, activity, diet and sleep all affect long-term health.
Mental wellbeing	Stress, low mood and anxiety are common and treatable, but often go unspoken.

Depending on your symptoms, a clinician may also suggest tests such as thyroid function, vitamin D or B12, a full blood count, or a morning testosterone level if you have symptoms such as low libido, low energy or erectile problems.

What about prostate cancer and PSA testing?

There is currently no national prostate cancer screening programme for all men in the UK. In 2026 the UK National Screening Committee recommended targeted screening only for men aged 45 to 61 with a confirmed BRCA2 gene change and a relevant family history of cancer, and advised against screening the general population because of the risk of overdiagnosis. Ministers and the NHS still need to decide how this will be introduced.

Men aged 50 and over can ask for a PSA blood test after discussing the pros and cons. A PSA test is not perfect: it can be raised for reasons other than cancer and can miss some cancers. Talk to a clinician earlier if you:

have urinary symptoms such as needing to go more often, a weak flow or getting up at night
have a father or brother who has had prostate cancer
are Black, as Black men have a higher risk of prostate cancer

Which NHS checks and screening should men know about?

NHS Health Check – for adults in England aged 40 to 74 without certain existing conditions, every five years.
Bowel cancer screening – a home FIT test kit is posted every two years to people aged 50 to 74 in England.
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening – men are invited for a quick ultrasound scan in the year they turn 65.

Always take up these invitations. A private health check can add more detail or convenience, but it does not replace national screening.

What symptoms should men never ignore?

chest pain or breathlessness on exertion
blood in your urine or stools, or a lasting change in bowel habit
a lump or swelling in a testicle
unexplained weight loss or persistent tiredness
erectile problems, which can be an early sign of heart disease or diabetes
persistent low mood or thoughts of self-harm – contact your GP, call NHS 111 (option 2 for mental health) or Samaritans on 116 123

Frequently asked questions

How often should a man over 40 have a health check?

The NHS Health Check is every five years from 40 to 74. If you have risk factors or results that need monitoring, your clinician may suggest more frequent checks.

Do I need to fast before a male health check?

It depends on the tests. Many cholesterol and HbA1c tests do not require fasting, but some packages ask you to fast so that glucose and triglycerides can be measured accurately. You will be told in advance.

Can I get a PSA test without symptoms?

Men over 50 can request one after an informed discussion about the benefits and limitations. Your clinician will help you decide.

Is a private health check a replacement for my GP?

No. It can complement NHS care, and with your consent results can be shared with your GP.

Key takeaways

Risk of heart disease, diabetes and some cancers rises from 40.
Core checks: blood pressure, cholesterol, HbA1c, weight, kidney and liver function, lifestyle and mental health.
There is no national PSA screening for all men; make an informed choice with a clinician.
Take up NHS Health Check, bowel screening and AAA screening invitations.

Sources and further reading

Last reviewed: October 2026 by Shamir Patel, Independent Prescribing Pharmacist, Ready Health. This article is general information and does not replace advice from your own clinician.

Want a clear picture of your health? Ready Health in Standish, Wigan offers a Well Man Health Check with blood tests, measurements and a clinician-led results review. Find out about our male health check.