The popular saying is that ‘life starts at 40’. This is true, but only if you choose to make fitness and health your allies. The forties can be a pivotal decade in your health, as you have risk factors for many diseases.
Recent research suggests that you can maintain both your health and happiness by having routine medical examinations with your doctor. Constantly monitoring your health is important, both physically as well as psychologically. This will allow you to address any problems as quickly as possible. Weight loss, quitting tobacco, and increased exercise are all important your health lifestyle changes.
Preventive care becomes more important as you approach middle age. It is important to address problems as soon as possible. We have put together a list that will help you manage or nip illness in the bud.
Cardiac Markers Test
This blood test indicates the likelihood of cardiovascular disorders. When your heart is in distress or damaged, cardiac biomarkers are released into your bloodstream. The biomarkers are measured to diagnose or predict the likelihood of coronary artery disease. These markers include haemoglobin, glucose, uric, acid, and cholesterol. The cardiac biomarkers may be combined with other tests such as an ECG, a cardiac stress test or a 2D echo to determine how your heart functions. These markers help medical professionals identify the risk of cardiac conditions like heart failure, coronary disease and myocardial ischemia. Patients with high levels of cardiac markers need to be monitored constantly because these proteins can increase the activity enzymes that lead to heart damage and degeneration.
Lipid Profile
The lipid panel or profile is often recommended in conjunction with the cardiac markers test. It measures the amount of lipids or fat molecules in your blood. This panel includes three measurements, such as your total cholesterol, your good cholesterol (HDL), your bad cholesterol (LDL), and a measurement for triglycerides. The presence of excessive lipids in the blood (cholesterol, triglycerides and other lipids) can cause your arteries to clog up and lead to hypertension. This may eventually result in a heart attack.
Thyroid Test
Thyroid function tests is a series of blood tests that are used to detect hypothyroidism. This test is a vital part of the diagnosis process, and it is recommended for people over 40 years old even if there are no symptoms of an underactive or overactive thyroid. Thyroid problems are more common in women, and they should be tested annually for TSH. Untreated thyroid problems can impact your mental and physical health. Unbalanced thyroid function can cause a variety of health problems, including obesity, dementia and arthritis.
Renal Function Test
The Renal Function Test is a series of tests which assesses how effectively your kidneys work and how well they remove waste from your body. The test measures a variety of substances, including proteins, glucose, minerals, electrolytes and creatinine. This test is particularly important if you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes or hypertension, which can affect the function of your kidneys.
CBC
The Complete Blood Count test (CBC) will provide your doctor with a complete picture of your blood. The routine blood test will show the number of white blood (WBC), blood red (RBC), and platelets as well as the hemoglobin concentration and hematocrit.
Test HbA1c and Diabetes Test
These tests provide a detailed analysis of your blood glucose levels, and your body’s response to insulin. The HbA1c tests measures the glucose levels in your blood attached to haemoglobin. It can detect diabetes or pre-diabetes.
Vitamin B12 Test
This test can be used to determine if you are deficient in vitamin B12 or have a low level. Your doctor will likely recommend a B12 vitamin test if your diet is predominantly plant-based, as these foods do not contain enough B12. Women in their 40s who are vegetarians or vegans should get tested because a vitamin B12 deficiency can cause anaemia, nerve problems, memory loss and bone weakness.
Pap Smear
This test analyzes the cells in your cervix to check for cancerous signs. This test is recommended for women in their 40s to determine if they have precancerous cells or cancerous ones in their cervix. This test should be performed every 3 to 5 years.
Final Thoughts
It is important to take care of your health. Preventive checks become more important as you age. It is particularly important if your family has a history of health issues. Routine medical screenings and tests are designed to detect problems before they get serious. Early detection of illnesses and diseases increases the chances of survival as well as the chance of a successful treatment.