Men should not avoid these health check-ups after 45

medial test
Representative image. Photo: Talukdar David/ Shutterstock.com

After a certain age, it is advisable to undergo health check-ups or medical tests at regular intervals. But a lot of us never prioritize these tests owing to our busy schedules. Those beyond the age of 45 should go for yearly health checkups and those between the age group of 35 and 45 years should opt for health checkups once in three or four years. Such tests help in early diagnosis and in taking the necessary precautions.

Depending on the individual’s health condition, the doctors will prescribe the necessary checkups. But generally, these are the essential health checkups one should do.

» Blood pressure: Blood pressure is the pressure of circulating blood against the walls of blood vessels. High blood pressure can often lead to heart disease, kidney disease, and stroke. The normal blood pressure level is 120/80 mmHg. Even youngsters suffer from high blood pressure due to their unhealthy lifestyle. People over the age of 18 should have their blood pressure checked regularly to make sure it is normal.

» Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test: Prostate cancer is a disease that affects about one in eight men. The PSA test can detect the onset of this cancer early and take the necessary solutions. Men over the age of 50 should take this test every year. Those with prostate problems in the family should start the checkup at the age of 40.

» Thyroid test: The thyroid is a hormone that controls the body's metabolism, energy levels, and nervous system functions. It sits below Adam's apple, along the front of the windpipe. Overproduction and underproduction of the thyroid can lead to weight gain, weight loss, and fatigue. High thyroid and low thyroid can lead to infertility in men. Therefore, thyroid levels should be checked periodically. People over the age of 50 and at risk for heart disease should have regular ECG and treadmill check-ups every year. Patients with diabetes should have a creatine and urine test every year to ensure kidney health.

» Diabetes checkup: If your family has a history of obesity or diabetes, you are likely to have diabetes. As you age, the likelihood of diabetes increases. People over the age of 40 need to have their blood sugar levels checked through tests such as fasting blood sugar, postprandial blood sugar, and HbA1c. If you have diabetes in your family, make sure you begin your checkups from the age of 30. Early diabetes testing can also help mitigate organ damage. Excess blood sugar levels can lead to heart disease, kidney damage, vision loss, and neurological complications.

» Lipid profile: Adults over the age of 35 should mandatorily have their cholesterol checked every five years. People with diabetes, smoking, a body mass index above 30, and a family history of stroke and high cholesterol should start this test in their 20s. High cholesterol levels increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. People with heart problems also need to have their cholesterol checked regularly.

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