Contributed by: Healthians Team
Medical tests and screenings are an integral part of maintaining overall wellness—at any age and more so when you hit 40. This is an excellent time to strengthen your bond with your doctor. Apart from making healthy nutrition and exercise a priority in your hectic schedule, preventative care is absolutely vital and the earlier you start the better. As the age-old saying rightly goes, ‘It’s better to be safe than sorry.’
So what screenings should you consider? Here are 5 essential tests.
Important medical tests for women in their 40s
Blood pressure screening:
Middle-aged women often witness a rise in blood pressure levels—which is why it’s important to get tested. If left untreated, high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, can put you at a drastically higher risk of various chronic diseases, such as heart disease, kidney disease, and chronic heart failure, and stroke. The good news is, you can lower your blood pressure through diet, exercise, and medication.
Considered an accurate indicator of your heart health, this blood test is recommended for all women in their early 40s. The danger of high cholesterol increases in later stages of life. This simple blood test can save your life. The probabilities of getting the long-term cardiovascular disease are high when you have a high cholesterol level at this age. Because high cholesterol has no symptoms, you may be unaware that you have this condition. Only by taking the test will you be able to find out.
The prevalence of the disease is on a rise, and even though the condition is manageable, it still is a serious health concern. It is recommended to get the blood sugar levels tested to keep a check on the risks of diabetes. The HbA1c Blood Test can be used to determine if you are diabetic. This test examines the body’s average blood sugar levels during the previous 2-3 months. Another test, called the FPG Blood Test, evaluates blood glucose levels following an 8-hour fast.
Mammogram:
Undergoing this screening is a preventive and significant step in taking care of yourself and your breasts. Most women – regardless of symptoms or family history – should start annual screening mammography in their early to mid-40s to detect breast abnormalities. Don’t wait to have a mammogram until you have any apparent symptoms of breast cancer, such as a new breast lump, breast pain, an unusual skin appearance, or discharge.
Pelvic exam and pap:
After reaching the age of 40, it is advisable to undergo a pap smear examination to catch pre-cancerous changes in the cervix. Cervical cancer affects women of all age groups and is a leading cause of death among most women in India. The risk increases with age, so the test is particularly important if you are in your 40s. Usually done in conjunction with a pelvic exam, this is the most common test used to look for early changes in cells that can lead to cervical cancer.
Embracing 40 and good health
A big shout-out to all ladies in their forties! This decade is critical for making healthy lifestyle choices. If you are smart about your health, your 40s can rock! All you have to do is try to spare some time for yourself, by marking the milestone as the beginning of the best years ahead. Give yourself a productive start by monitoring your health and preventing minor problems from escalating. Remember, a penny of awareness about certain health conditions may avert a pound of unnecessary crisis down the road.
