After the age of 40, the body gradually begins to change. Although everything may seem normal from the outside, problems such as high blood pressure, excess cholesterol in the blood, diabetes, or decreased kidney function can silently develop inside the body. Many of these problems have no symptoms in the initial stages. Therefore, regular health check-ups are important in middle age. However, there is no universal medical guideline that says ‘the same four tests are mandatory for every person at the age of 40’. In addition to age, the doctor determines the necessary tests by considering family history, weight, diet, physical activity, smoking, previous diseases, and other risk factors.
1. Lipid profile (cholesterol and fat levels in the blood)
Cholesterol is an essential element for the body. It plays a role in cell structure and various physiological functions. But when cholesterol levels in the blood increase excessively, fat can accumulate in the arteries and form plaque. This increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. High cholesterol usually does not cause any obvious symptoms; it can only be detected through a blood test. A lipid profile test usually evaluates the levels of various fats in the blood, including total cholesterol, HDL or ‘good’ cholesterol, LDL and triglycerides. HDL has a relatively protective role for the heart. On the other hand, high LDL can increase the risk of fat accumulation in the arteries. Regular exercise, a healthy diet, reducing excess saturated fat, weight control and avoiding smoking can help reduce cholesterol and the risk of heart disease. In some cases, cholesterol-lowering medications may also be needed on the advice of a doctor.
2. Kidney function
The kidneys perform many important functions, including removing waste products from the body, maintaining water and salt balance, and regulating blood pressure. Even when kidney function declines, there are often no symptoms in the beginning. A serum creatinine test is an important way to assess kidney function. Based on this result, the EGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate) is usually calculated, which gives an idea of ​​how well the kidneys are filtering the blood. In addition to blood creatinine, the albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) in urine is also important in diagnosing and monitoring kidney disease.
Kidney function tests are especially important if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, or a family history of kidney disease. If kidney disease is detected in its early stages, there is a chance to slow down the progression of the disease. Therefore, people at risk should have regular kidney function tests as advised by their doctor.
3. Long-term blood sugar calculation
Diabetes is now a major health problem worldwide. High blood sugar levels over a long period of time can lead to complications such as heart disease, kidney disease, eye problems and nerve damage. HbA1c is an important blood test that gives an idea of ​​a person’s average blood glucose levels over the past few months. The HbA1c test measures the amount of glycated haemoglobin that is formed when blood glucose binds to haemoglobin. It is not only used to monitor blood sugar control in people with known diabetes, but also to detect type 2 diabetes in appropriate circumstances. However, HbA1c alone cannot diagnose diabetes in all people; other blood tests may be needed in some special circumstances. Regular screening is especially important if you are overweight, lack of physical activity, have a family history of diabetes, have high blood pressure or have had high blood sugar in the past. A healthy diet, regular exercise, weight control and reducing excess sugar and refined carbohydrates can help reduce the risk of diabetes.
4. Blood pressure measurement
The fourth important thing is not actually a blood test – blood pressure measurement. Regular blood pressure checks are very important after the age of 40, because high blood pressure can often remain without any symptoms for a long time. If high blood pressure is uncontrolled for a long time, the risk of heart disease, heart attack, stroke, kidney disease and other complications increases. In general, the possibility of high blood pressure is considered if it is 140/90 mmHg or more when measured at a health center or doctor and 135/85 mmHg or more when measured at home. However, a final decision is usually not made on the basis of a single high reading; repeated measurements or 24-hour ambulatory monitoring are done if necessary. Eating less salt, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking and avoiding excessive alcohol are important for controlling blood pressure. If necessary, medication should be taken as advised by a doctor.
