Recommended Health Screening Tests Men and Women Must Undergo After 40

Men and women have different priorities when it comes to health. However, there is only a handful of them who take preventive health screening seriously and actually take the pain to go to the doctor’s office for a regular check-up.

This is because most of the men and women have the tendency to think that they do not need routine check-ups in the absence of symptoms. However, such thinking is wrong and often lands up people in trouble.

Silent conditions such as hypertension and diabetes may not produce any recognizable symptoms. However, they cause serious damage to different body parts internally and in some case, may lead to fatal events such as heart attack and stroke.

Therefore, it is important for all individuals to take a charge of their health and change their approach to a healthy life. This is where the role of preventing health screening tests comes into play.

Regular screenings and check-up can be of great benefit, especially in the case of patients with a family history of specific conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and any form of cancer. Such preventive checks help people stay healthy as the doctors are able to identify the earliest signs of illnesses and diseases.

If specific conditions are identified at an early stage, it is possible to stop them from progressing right then and there. This not only helps prevent further damage to the health but also the financial burden associated with the management of a health condition.

This article talks about some of the basic screening tests that all men and women aged above 40 are recommended to undergo.

Blood Pressure Test

It is possible for people to suffer from high blood pressure for years before it is first noticed. However, it is important for people aged 40 and above to get a blood pressure test done on a regular basis. Under 45 years of age, men are at an increased risk of hypertension than women. Between the age 45 and 64, both the sexes are at an equal risk. After 64 years of age, women are at a greater risk of hypertension than men.

Overall among men and women aged between 40 and 70, women have a lower risk of complications related to hypertension than men.

Therefore, both men and women should get blood examination done once a year after they hit their 40s. People with a family history of hypertension should undergo a screening test every six months.

Proper management is required in the case of hypertensive patients to keep them away from the risk of heart diseases, stroke, kidney stones and others.

Also Read: 7 health goals you can start right away for Healthy Lifestyle

Blood Glucose Test

Diabetes, a condition characterized by increases blood sugar levels, puts an individual at an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and damage to the important organs such as the eyes, kidneys, skin, and the nervous system. Therefore, it is important to keep blood glucose levels in check.

Every individual should get their blood sugar levels checked at least once a year after they turn 40. People with a family history of diabetes should undergo a screening test every six months. The screening blood test is sometimes accompanied with a foot exam, HbA1c test, and dilated eye exam.

Cholesterol Test

High cholesterol puts an individual at an increased risk of stroke, peripheral artery disease,  and heart attacks. It is one of the leading contributors to the ischemic heart disease around the world.

Bud the shocking fact is that it is next to impossible to diagnose high cholesterol levels on your own. This condition does not cause any symptoms and this is why it is important to get the cholesterol levels checked often. In fact, people in their 30s should start getting their cholesterol levels checked to keep the risk of cardiovascular disease in check.

Cancer Screening

Men and women have separate health risks when it comes to cancer. Men are advised to undergo prostate cancer screening once in two years in their 40s. The frequency should be once a year for men with a family history of prostate cancer or other risk factors. Additionally, they are advised to conduct a self-examination for testicular cancer once every few months.

When it comes to women, they must undergo breast cancer and cervical cancer screening once every two years as they hit their 40s. Women with a family history of breast cancer or cancer of any organ in the reproductive system are advised to undergo screening tests once a year.

Also Read: Who’s Financial Advisor? How to choose a best Financial Planner?

Colon cancer screening and skin cancer checks are common for both men and women. Therefore, both the sexes must attend their screening as a part of regular preventive care after they turn 40.

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About the Author

Guneet Bhatia is a freelance medical writing professional who lives in India. She is an aspiring novelist who intends to live a nomadic life with a vision to empathetically touch as many lives as a person can during his or her lifetime. She has a vested interest in breaking the health myths that people often surround themselves with.

Website: Healthosaurus

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