Introduction
There is a popular saying ‘life begins at 40.’ Yes, the good life does begin when you move into your forties — provided you make health and fitness your ally. This is the decade that can be pivotal to your health because you harbour risk factors for various diseases and are worth screening.
According to recent research, you can maintain your happiness and health by scheduling routine medical exams with your doctor or other healthcare providers. It’s critical to monitor your health on a regular basis, both physically and psychologically, so that any issues can be addressed as soon as possible.
It’s not too late to make lifestyle changes that will increase your longevity, so talking about things like weight loss, quitting smoking, and increasing your exercise are all crucial.
THE KEY HEALTH CHECKUPS FOR PEOPLE OVER 40S
You are nearing middle age in your 40s, so preventive care is crucial. You want to take care of problems before they escalate. To nip any illness in the bud or manage it successfully, we have compiled a list of essential tests as you enter your forties.
Cardiac Markers Test
This is a blood test that indicates the risk of cardiovascular disorders. When your heart is damaged or in distress, certain enzymes called cardiac biomarkers are released into the bloodstream. The test measures the biomarkers to predict or diagnose the likelihood of coronary heart disease. The markers include glucose, uric acid, cholesterol, haemoglobin A1c (blood sugar level), and much more. You may also have to undergo additional tests like ECG, cardiac stress test or 2D echo along with the cardiac biomarkers test to see how well your heart is functioning. These markers aid medical professionals in identifying the risk of various cardiac conditions such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, and myocardial infarction. Patients with elevated levels of cardiac markers should undergo routine monitoring because these proteins may increase the activity of enzymes that cause heart injury and degeneration.
Lipid Profile
Often recommended along with cardiac markers test, the lipid profile or panel is a blood test that measures the volume of fat molecules or lipids in your blood. This panel of tests include three measurements of your cholesterol levels, like your total amount of cholesterol, good cholesterol (HDL), bad cholesterol (LDL) and a measurement of triglycerides in your blood. Excessive lipids (cholesterol and triglycerides) in your blood can clog your arteries, triggering hypertension and eventually causing a heart attack or cardiac arrest.
Thyroid Test
Thyroid Function Tests are a set of blood tests used to detect hypothyroidism (too few thyroid hormones) or hyperthyroidism (too many) thyroid. The test is an important part of the diagnostic process and is often recommended to people in their 40s, even if they do not exhibit symptoms of overactive or underactive thyroid. Women are ten times more likely to develop thyroid problems, so they must mandatorily undergo an annual TSH blood test. Untreated thyroid disorders can affect your entire metabolism (weight, temperature, energy) and mental health. Abnormal thyroid function can lead to a wide range of health conditions such as obesity, dementia, arthritis and even heart disorders.
Renal Function Test (RFT/KFT)
RFT are a group of tests that assess how efficiently your kidneys are working and how well your kidneys clear waste from your system. It evaluates your renal health by measuring a number of substances such as proteins, electrolytes, glucose, creatinine, and minerals. This test is especially necessary if you have already been diagnosed with hypertension or diabetes, as these conditions affect how well the kidneys work.
CBC
A Complete Blood Count (CBC) test will give your doctor a comprehensive look into your blood picture. The routine test indicates the counts of white blood cells (WBC), red blood cells (RBC) and platelets, the concentration of hemoglobin, and the hematocrit.
Diabetes Test (postprandial and fasting) and HbA1c
These tests offer a comprehensive analysis of your glucose levels and how your body responds to insulin. The HbA1c test measures your glucose levels attached to the haemoglobin (called glycated haemoglobin) and detects diabetes or prediabetes.
Vitamin B12 Test
As the name suggests, this test is used to diagnose whether you have a deficiency or a lower-than-normal level of vitamin B12 in your body. In general, your doctor may recommend a vitamin B12 test if you rely on a vegetarian or vegan diet since plant-based food items don’t contain vitamin B12 in abundance. Vegetarians and women who enter their 40s should definitely get this test done because vitamin B12 deficiency is linked to anaemia and can lead to problems of the nervous system, memory loss and weakening of bones.
Pap Smear
This test is a procedure that analyses the cells of your cervix for signs of cancer. Women in their 40s are recommended to undergo this test to assess the presence of precancerous or cancerous cells in their cervix. This test should be conducted once every 3-5 years.
Final thoughts
The most crucial thing you can do is to look after your health. Regular Preventive Checks become increasingly essential as you age. This is especially true if you have a family history of health problems. The goal of routine medical tests and screenings is to identify problems before they become serious. The likelihood of survival and the likelihood of effective treatment both increase if illnesses and diseases are discovered early.
