How often should you undergo medical check-ups? Are they crucial to avoiding health problems?
First of all, it must be clear that a basic and preventive check-up is not the same as a more complex one that includes specific tests.
Nor are the guidelines for patients who have no symptoms of the disease the same as those for those who have a history of the disease or certain risk factors. And, of course, they also vary according to age and stage of life .
Indiscriminate general check-ups on healthy people are currently a cause of debate and controversy. In fact, in Spain, in Primary Care, check-ups are not carried out but rather preventive recommendations are applied to patients who come to the consultations , according to their age and sex.
Complete medical check-up
Experts agree that it is advisable to carry out a general check-up . It is advisable to visit your GP so that, depending on your age, personal situation and medical history, he or she can determine whether any additional examination is necessary. This test includes: a basic clinical examination, a medical history, a basic analysis and an electrocardiogram.
A medical check-up should check glucose , cholesterol , creatinine and immune levels, and rule out possible pneumonia. Depending on the results of the initial anamnesis and examination, a series of other complementary tests may be indicated in each specific case.
We can prevent diseases and detect problems such as vision or hearing loss with a simple annual check-up.
What tests are performed during a medical checkup?
It will depend on the type of patient and their age, as well as their family history and habits, for example, whether they consume alcohol or smoke. In general, the most common tests are:
Anamnesis: consists of an interview that the doctor conducts to learn the patient's medical history.
A physical examination
Measuring blood pressure .
Complete blood and urine analysis.
Cardiac tests depending on the patient's history (a stress test or an anatomical assessment will be performed).
Abdominal imaging test (the type of test will depend on the patient's age, health status, and history).
If the patient has smoked a lot, a chest X-ray or CT scan may be performed if the specialist deems it appropriate.
Some centers include other tests aimed at detecting respiratory problems, such as spirometry.
Women over 45 years of age undergo a mammogram .
Starting at age 50, it is advisable to have a colonoscopy .
Advantages of undergoing regular medical check-ups
Early detection of diseases
These medical assessments can identify health problems before they become clinically apparent, allowing for more effective and less invasive treatment. The selection of tests is based on the patient's family and personal history, risk factors, sex and age, which guarantees personalized and targeted care, constituting a truly "tailor-made" approach to early detection of pathologies.
Correction of dietary habits
Medical check-ups also provide an opportunity to assess and correct harmful dietary habits. A health professional can advise on a balanced diet appropriate to each individual's health status, which is especially relevant in the prevention of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease.
Designing a suitable exercise plan
Medical check-ups allow us to assess a person's physical condition and, based on their needs and limitations, design an appropriate exercise plan. Regular physical activity not only contributes to maintaining a healthy weight, but also improves cardiovascular function, bone health and mental health.
Addressing sleep disorders
Sleep problems are common and can have a significant impact on quality of life and overall health. Medical checkups are an opportunity to address sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea or insomnia. Early identification of these problems allows for timely treatment and prevents long-term complications, such as chronic fatigue or depression.
Medical tests according to age
In general check-ups, tests or specific details are added depending on the decade of life , all without taking into account that check-ups are also necessary, such as vision and dental check-ups, which should be annual.
You can get an idea of what check-ups are necessary according to each person's age in this article, but always remember that this is a recommendation and you can ask for any test you think is necessary regardless of your age.
From 30 to 40 years old
Up to the age of 40, the general adult population should go to the doctor's office if they have any symptoms or health problems. However, from the age of 40, everyone should be included in a prevention program based on basic tests, every 1 or 2 years, depending on the type of test or examination. In some of the most basic and necessary tests, we should be screened for cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension or diabetes.
In addition to the cytology test to rule out cervical cancer, women in this age group are recommended to undergo the HPV test every 5 years until age 65. Women are also eligible for breast cancer prevention tests with mammograms.
In this age group, it is important to pay attention to changes or alterations in the skin and go to the doctor if we see significant changes such as new moles, or moles that change texture or color.
For people who practice high-performance sports , the stress test is necessary and complementary to the routine analyses that we have stipulated annually.
From the age of 40, eye examinations should be mandatory and annual, since this is when diseases such as presbyopia or eyestrain begin to appear.
From the age of 50
There are some diseases that require special attention, such as colon cancer , which is why it is recommended to test for occult blood in feces every two years, between the ages of 50 and 70.
It is also important to detect cardiovascular risk factors by taking blood pressure, weight and height every two years; detecting cholesterol and blood sugar levels every 5 years; and evaluating toxic habits every two years.
In women, unless there is a family history, it is recommended to begin breast cancer screening at age 50, with biannual mammograms until age 70.
We must bear in mind that hearing loss or hearing noises is normal at this age. For this reason, we must have an annual hearing check-up . There is also a higher risk of suffering from eye diseases such as cataracts, so we must have our eyesight checked thoroughly when we go to the ophthalmologist and not neglect the advice he can give us.
From 60 onwards
In addition to the recommendations in the previous age segment, measures are being added , such as, for example, advice on physical exercise for people over 65 years of age at risk of falls. In addition, it is from this age that the important field of vaccination in adults opens up, with two fundamental milestones: the annual influenza vaccination and the pneumococcal vaccination, which can be a single dose in the case of the conjugate vaccine, or every 5 years, in the case of the polysaccharide vaccine.
Specific medical check-ups for women
Considering the age and all the tests we have mentioned, we would also like to remind you of the specific tests for women. These can be done routinely or you can ask your doctor for them if you notice any symptoms.
Breast exam : You can do a self-examination at home , but you can also request a routine clinical and professional examination from your doctor.
Mammography: This specific X-ray test is able to detect tumors. It is recommended to have one done from the age of 40.
Vaginal cytology : This test helps detect possible uterine cancers and some lesions. It is not painful and is routine.
https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/healthcheckup.html
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