Health Checkup After 40: Men and Women

What are the elements generally included in a complete health check-up?

A thorough health check-up typically includes several key components, starting with a comprehensive blood test. This analysis evaluates an individual's overall health by examining various blood parameters. These include a complete blood count (CBC), which studies different blood cells such as red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Biochemical tests are also performed to assess an individual's health. These comprise blood glucose levels to monitor blood sugar, blood lipids to evaluate the lipid profile, liver enzymes to check liver function, kidney markers to assess kidney function, and other specific parameters depending on individual needs. It's crucial to note that a doctor's prescription is usually required for a complete health check-up, and the waiting times may vary depending on the healthcare system. Once the results are available, a qualified healthcare professional can interpret them and provide appropriate recommendations based on the collected data. Blood tests are a vital part of a complete health check-up because they allow for the evaluation of numerous biological parameters and the detection of any potential anomalies or health problems.

Recommended Check-ups for People Aged 40 and Over

Blood Tests

Testing for blood fat levels is essential after the age of 40. This involves monitoring cholesterol and triglycerides, as well as measuring blood glucose (glucose concentration in the blood). In all circumstances, it is crucial to have a health check-up. A blood test should be performed approximately every two years (provided that the last tests performed were normal).

Urine Test

Even after the age of 18, it is essential to monitor for kidney and urinary tract infections. A urine test should be performed approximately every two years, provided that the last tests performed were normal.

Blood Pressure Measurement

This is very important for detecting possible hypertension. Healthy individuals should have their blood pressure checked every three or four months.

Doppler Ultrasound

It is important for the general practitioner to offer a Doppler ultrasound evaluation to all individuals over the age of 55-60 to examine the carotid arteries in detail using ultrasound and detect any presence of atherosclerosis. For those with risk factors for vascular diseases such as hypertension, smoking, diabetes, family history, or hypercholesterolemia, it is recommended to perform this examination from the age of 40. Not only harmless, the Doppler ultrasound is an effective tool for detecting and preventing vascular problems.

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Electrocardiogram (ECG)

Routine electrocardiograms provide crucial data regarding heart health. This quick and risk-free procedure should be done from the age of forty, or more frequently as recommended by a physician.

Eye Examination

As a patient, it's important to regularly consult an ophthalmologist to monitor the progression of presbyopia and potential eye diseases such as cataracts or age-related macular degeneration. During this follow-up, the ophthalmologist can also assess intraocular pressure and detect a potential risk of glaucoma development. Best practice recommends an ophthalmological examination every two or three years for healthy individuals aged 40 to 60. For those over 60, it's preferable to have an examination every one to two years to prevent potential complications.

Dental Examination

The health of your teeth and gums should remain a fundamental appointment. Untreated cavities and neglected gum inflammation can become a breeding ground for infections that can undermine the body's overall health. Dental visits should be approximately yearly, with scaling every 6-12 months.

Abdominal Ultrasound

Using harmless ultrasound, an abdominal ultrasound allows for a detailed examination of the kidneys, adrenal glands, liver, bile ducts, pancreas, spleen, lymph nodes, and major blood vessels. This procedure is excellent for detecting cysts, nodules, stones, aneurysms of large vessels, and neoplasms. Individuals aged 40 to 60 should undergo at least one abdominal ultrasound, and other examinations may be prescribed by a physician based on individual needs.

Oncological Prevention

Exams for colorectal cancer diagnosis are essential for women and men, even after 40.

Health Check-up from Age 40 for Women

Bone Densitometry

It's crucial to have an examination to detect osteoporosis symptoms, monitor its progression, and assess the risk of fractures. For men, this is not part of routine medical care and should be done after age 60, on the recommendation of a healthcare professional, in cases of risk factors. This is a recommended examination starting at menopause, once every two or three years. If osteoporosis problems are detected, the frequency drops to 12-18 months. Women who do not have periods and those suffering from anorexia (and therefore absence of periods for at least six months) should undergo this examination at any age.

Gynecological Examination and Pelvic Ultrasound

A gynecological examination is essential to assess the health of the uterus and ovaries in women in pre-menopause, menopause, or post-menopause. The gynecologist can also recommend hormone replacement therapy to relieve symptoms caused by ovarian failure. An annual visit is necessary. The frequency of ultrasounds should be determined by the gynecologist.

Oncological Prevention

Check-ups and examinations are necessary for the timely diagnosis of cervical or breast cancer.

Health Check-up for Men After 40

Examinations for men over 40 aim to identify potential causes of cardiovascular, cancerous, and metabolic diseases, detect early signs and symptoms of these conditions, and assess the patient's overall health. This is not only a preventive measure but also an excellent habit to adopt for self-care and health.

For men over 40, it is essential to have a complete health check-up that includes specific examinations to obtain a complete overview of their well-being and common health problems after this age.

• Blood tests such as GOT (or AST), GPT (or ALT), blood urea nitrogen, total and fractionated bilirubin, total cholesterol, HDL and LDL, creatinine, serum protein electrophoresis, CBC, fibrinogen, glucose, total protein, triglycerides, ferritin, PSA, CRP, sodium, potassium, calcium, uric acid, Gamma GT, alkaline phosphatase, ESR, FT4, FT3, and TSH. These tests will provide accurate information to evaluate your overall health. Remember to have them done regularly to monitor your health;
• Urine test;
• Occult blood test in stool on three samples;
• Electrocardiogram (ECG);
• Complete abdominal ultrasound;
• Doppler ultrasound of supra-aortic trunks;
• Urological examination;
• Final internist examination;
• Dermatological examination;
• Thyroid ultrasound;

Non-smokers also undergo a chest X-ray. Smokers also undergo spirometry and a chest CT scan without contrast agent.

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