The aging process tends to make certain health-related problems more common. This in turn necessitates routine medical testing. The ultimate objective is to take note of any potential problems coming up. Then measures can be taken, in a timely manner, to mitigate those problems. The end result would be to live a healthy life.
Medical tests
In many cases, medical testing is done using blood or urine samples. Doctors have better insight into your state of health by examining these samples. From the results, you may get reassurance that everything is alright. Alternatively, the results may reveal problems for which treatment can be initiated.
Essential health tests checklist
Although there are a set of tests, that doctor recommends as a part of well woman check over 50. But, the following 5 health medical tests are truly important for people who have attained 50 years of age and above:
- Cholesterol level test
- Blood pressure check
- Diabetes (and susceptibility to it)
- Eyesight check
- Hearing test
Where to go for the essential health tests
Most of the essential health tests can be done at the doctor’s clinic. But if the results reveal alarming issues, the doctor may subsequently refer you to a specialist.
The cholesterol level test
High cholesterol levels are typically seen in women who are over 55, and men who are over 45.
Having a high cholesterol level means that you are at an enhanced risk of suffering from heart disease.
To check your cholesterol level, all that is required is a blood sample obtained from a vein. That sample then undergoes analysis in a lab, checking for cholesterol levels.
The blood pressure check
A person’s blood pressure has a tendency to go up with age. Abnormally high blood pressure is a risk factor for many potentially fatal diseases. Those include stroke, heart disease as well as eventual kidney failure.
Diabetes test
It is very easy to have and live with diabetes without knowing it. Yet, it is a very serious health condition, which can trigger major complications. Examples of those include eye damage, nerve damage, kidney problems, stroke and heart disease. This condition also tends to be more common as people advance in age.
Thankfully, testing for diabetes is easy. All that is required is a urine sample. But there are also cases where a blood test may be needed for confirmatory purposes.
Eyesight check
It is possible for people to retain good eyesight right up to their 80s and even 90s. But that depends on how one looks after their eyes. To know whether your eyesight is alright, or if it is deteriorating, you need occasional eyesight checks.
Besides giving you insight into the state of your eyesight, the checks can reveal other things. They can uncover problems like glaucoma, cataracts and macular degeneration. And if those issues are found, timely treatment can be initiated, often leading to better outcomes.
Hearing test
The ability to hear tends to decline with age – and that is pretty much for everyone. However, there are cases where the hearing loss occurs at an alarming rate. This necessitates occasional hearing tests for people who are getting older. In case the tests reveal abnormal issues, referrals can be made: either to Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) departments or to audiology clinics.
Undergoing the medical tests highlighted here can give you great peace of mind. It can also reveal problem areas that need to be addressed. This will promote healthy living going forward. All you need to do is visit a Private GP London clinic, to have the respective tests done promptly.