Medical check-ups that we should all have

In preventive and proactive medicine, general medical check-ups play an important role.

How often should you undergo medical check-ups? Are they crucial to avoiding health problems?

First of all, it is important to understand that a basic, preventive check-up is not the same as a more complex one that includes specific tests based on your medical history and family history.

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 .

Complete medical check-up

Experts agree that it is advisable to have a general check-up , where our family doctor will tell us, based on our age, personal situation and medical history, if any additional examination is necessary. This test includes: a basic clinical examination, a medical history, a basic blood test and an electrocardiogram.

In blood tests it is important to see the levels of glucose , cholesterol , creatinine and defenses.

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. 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 the tests is based on the patient's family history, personal history, risk factors, sex and age, ensuring personalized and targeted care.

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 good muscle health and a healthy weight, but also improves cardiovascular function, bone health and mental health.

Addressing sleep disorders

Sleep problems are common during menopause and can have a significant impact on quality of life and overall health. Medical check-ups are an opportunity to address sleep disorders and 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 tests are necessary depending on each person's age, but always remember that this is a recommendation and you can ask for any tests you think are necessary regardless of your age.

From 40 to 45 years old

From the age of 40, everyone should be included in a dynamic of prevention and preparation for the menopause stage based on basic tests, every 1 or 2 years, depending on the type of test or examination.

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.

From 45 to 55 years

From the age of 45, it is important to evaluate the hormonal levels of female sex hormones, as this will indicate the time of the transition to menopause.

In addition, 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 should also have an annual hearing check-up . We are also more likely to suffer from eye diseases such as cataracts, which is why we should have our eyesight checked by an ophthalmologist.

From 55 years onwards

From the age of 55, it is essential to pay special attention to the prevention of cardiovascular diseases and osteoporosis, which increase in incidence in this age group. For this reason, a complete blood test and a bone densitometry are essential.

In addition to the recommendations in the previous age segment, other measures are being added , such as, for example, advice on physical exercise for people over 65 years of age who are 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 flu vaccination and the pneumococcal vaccination.

Medical check-ups specific to women

Taking into account age and all the tests mentioned above, there are specific tests for women. These can be done routinely or requested by the doctor if any symptoms are noticed.

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.

Remember that you can prevent illnesses and detect problems with a simple annual check-up.

References

Health screenings for women ages 40 to 64: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. (nd).

Get your “well-woman visit” every year - MyHealthSeeker | health.gov. (2021, January 1).

Female Checkups | Your Health Channel. (nd). Your Health Channel.

Ayuso, M. (2016, June 3). The seven medical tests that all women should undergo. elconfidencial.com.

National Library of Medicine. (nd). Women's health check-up.

Gutierrez, KZ (2024, March 8). Five medical tests that every woman should undergo | MAPFRE Blog. MAPFRE Peru.

The most common preventive exams for women. (2019, April 3). Sanitas Medical Center.