Don’t wait to get sick! Prevention is the best medicine, especially as we get older. Therefore, know the medical tests that you should perform soon.
As we age, the body becomes more susceptible to chronic diseases. Especially if we have a family history of certain pathologies. To avoid long-term complications, it is necessary to carry out periodic medical tests that allow us to detect health problems at an early stage.
After the age of 50, the risk of suffering from diseases increases. For this reason, we invite you to learn about the medical tests that you should perform between the ages of 40 and 65.
General medical tests recommended for people over 40
There are a number of general medical tests that They are recommended to all adults who are over 40 years of age.. They are not reserved for patients who already have a history, but are screening methods for the general population.
1. Colon cancer screening
The analysis most recommended by experts for the detection of colon cancer is colonoscopy, a test in which the colon is examined with a flexible tube with a camera. There are also other options, such as the fecal occult blood test and rectosigmoidoscopy, but their sensitivity is lower.
Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. Therefore, its early detection is essential to initiate an effective approach.
Between the ages of 50 and 75, a check-up of this type should be carried out, even if there are no symptoms.
2. Body weight
Being overweight and obese can significantly increase the risk of chronic disease. According to scientific studies, weight gain is associated with diabetes, heart disease, sleep apnea, and some types of cancer.
You need to be aware of your weight with your doctor and manage to counteract this risk factor with a healthy diet and regular physical activity. These are simple measures that could change your quality of life.
3. Blood pressure measurement
This is a quick and simple test that measures the force that blood exerts on the artery walls as it flows through the body. To perform the measurement, a device called blood pressure cuffwhich consists of an inflatable cuff that is placed around the arm and a manometer that measures the pressure.
A blood pressure measurement is simple, cheap and fast. In general, it can be specified in the office with your trusted doctor.
One measurement of blood pressure every four months is an optimal frequency from the age of 40.
4. Cholesterol analysis
A cholesterol test is performed as part of a blood test. The amount of cholesterol and triglycerides is measured. The former are divided into total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, or bueno and LDL cholesterol or place.
If total or LDL cholesterol levels are elevated, your doctor may recommend diet and lifestyle changes to avoid cardiovascular or liver diseases.
5. Blood sugar test
A blood sugar test is done to check for diabetes or prediabetes. It also detects hypoglycemia, a condition in which blood sugar levels are abnormally low. It is usual to do it on an empty stomach.
Blood glucose should be measured every 3 years starting at age 45.
6. Ophthalmological analysis
A complete ophthalmological examination is important around the age of 40. However, if you have previous vision problems or a family history of glaucoma, for example, prior examinations are recommended.
7. Physical examination
It is important that you attend regular appointments with your trusted doctor for a physical examination. This will help you detect diseases and assess risks of future problems.
The general review ranges from the psychological to the review of eating habits and skin exams. Everything, with the purpose of evaluating the general health.
Recommended tests for women over 40 years of age
There are medical tests that are specific to women over 40. Menopause can increase the risk of the appearance of certain diseases, which is why early detection of the most frequent pathologies is a priority.
8. Bone densitometry
According to him European Journal of Rheumatology, the most common test to detect osteoporosis is bone densitometry (BMD). The same measures the concentration and density of bone in some regions of the body; usually in the spine, hip and wrist.
Osteoporosis is more common in women, but it can also occur in men. In any case, the clinical guidelines emphasize that the BMD be periodic for them.
A BMD should be performed every 3-5 years in women without ongoing treatment for osteoporosis.
9. Screening for breast cancer
The quintessential breast cancer screening test is the mammogram, which is a specific x-ray of the breasts. Result It is recommended that women over the age of 40 have a mammogram every two years. to achieve early detection.
However, women who have had or have a sister or mother affected with breast cancer should consider an annual mammogram. This goes beyond his age.
Between the ages of 45 and 55, women should have an annual mammogram.
10. Screening for cervical cancer
Cervical cancer is a type of neoplasm that develops in the lower part of the uterus and can be caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Its early detection is essential for a successful approach.
That’s why it’s recommended that women start getting a Pap smear at age 21. With negative results, it should be repeated every 3 years until age 65.
The HPV test, now available in some countries, can be done every 5 years between the ages of 30 and 65.
Medical tests recommended for men over 40
There are exams recommended only for men, due to its anatomical peculiarities. Specifically, we are talking about the prostate and the risk of cancer of this organ.
11. Screening for prostate cancer
Early detection of prostate cancer is important because most cases are asymptomatic in the early stages. This means that obvious symptoms do not appear until the disease has advanced.
The screening test for prostate cancer is called prostate specific antigen test or PSA, for its acronym in English. It is determined through a blood test.
In addition to the PSA test, men can have a digital rectal exam, or digital rectal examination, to detect any irregularities or abnormalities in the prostate. Given the suspicion, other more specific studies will be carried out.
Starting at age 40, an annual PSA measurement is recommended.
Medical analysis to live better
Over the years, the body undergoes changes that increase the risk of chronic diseases. After the age of 50, it is common for the body to become more vulnerable to certain diseases, as the National Council of Aging. This is due to a combination of factors.
That is why it is important to take care of your health as the years go by. This includes eating a healthy diet, exercising, avoiding alcohol, and of course getting recommended medical tests.
Preventive exams are a valuable tool for detecting problems before they become serious and debilitating diseases. Maintaining a close relationship with your doctor will help you make informed decisions.
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