Your 50’s should be the prime of your life. Most people imagine a comfortable family life with fewer worries than in your younger days. But poor health can rob you of this peaceful future. Luckily, with advances in medicine, there is plenty you can do to keep good health.
A trend we see is people visiting the doctor only when something goes wrong. While this type of curative medicine is common, preventive health is fast becoming an integral part of medicine. After all, having an increased lifespan is only enjoyable if you have a longer health span too!
Mammograms and Pap smears in females and prostate examinations apart from the routine heart, kidney and liver function tests are highly recommended in elderly and geriatric people to prevent and probably diagnose diseases at an early stage.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D
Preventative medical tests help to catch early warning signs of potential issues before any symptoms show up. There are a variety of screening tests that are recommended based on age milestones. When you are 50, your risk of developing long term serious medical issues rises.
Eating healthy, avoiding poor lifestyle choices (like smoking) and getting regular exercise are all part of preventive health care. But some medical conditions (for example, cancer) can affect even the most healthy person. Before you ask what medical tests do I need at 50? Let us first answer the question – how do these screening tests help you?
Not only blood tests, one should visit a doctor for a physical examination, eye exam, dental check-ups, echo, TMT etc. after 50.
Dr. Arpit Verma, MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)
By having regular checkups and tests during your 50s, you and your doctor can monitor your health. There are several key markers that can indicate what’s going on inside your body. In case your doctor notices some measurement in your blood is out of the normal range, they can inform you. This early warning allows you to start treatment early and avoid further damage to your body.
If you are in your 50s, these will be what the doctor prescribes when you ask them what medical tests do I need at 50? Let’s dive in:
The Cardiac Risk markers test acts as a holistic suite of tests to measure your risk of developing cardiac issues. These also include testing for high blood pressure, high cholesterol and even examining your family history.
Along with that, there is the Lipid Profile Test to measure your triglycerides and cholesterol. This is helpful not only for trying to ascertain heart problems but also pancreatitis and other issues.
Meeting with your cardiologist once a year is also recommended, especially if you are at risk for developing cardiovascular problems. Your cardiologist may perform only a physical exam or and ask about your health. But they may also prescribe:
Lastly, your doctor may also ask you to check your blood pressure regularly at home.
I routinely advise Hba1c, Liver and kidney function tests, lipid profile, Prostate specific antigen for males, Pap smear for females, ECG, ECHO, TMT for all my patients above 50 yearly.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
Your doctor may ask you to get these tests done several times a year if you have a high risk of diabetes. For those with a confirmed diabetes diagnosis, you may need to do an at-home blood glucose test more frequently.
Another important diabetes and prediabetes test is the HbA1c test, which measures the amount of haemoglobin in your blood that is attached to glucose. Since there has been an increase in diabetes cases in northern and western parts of India, this important test can help to detect and confirm diabetes.
Cancer treatment has come a long way and early screening is an important part of that. For men, it is recommended to take the PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen test). This test helps to monitor for prostate cancer, depending on your level of PSA, you may be asked to get this test once every 2 – 4 years or less.
For women, there are several cancer screening tests. Mammography is a test to detect any abnormalities in the breasts, which could indicate breast cancer. A Pap smear test takes minute samples from the cervix for observation to detect cancerous or precancerous cells. It helps to preemptively detect cervical cancer. Another cancer test for women is the CA 125 (Cancer Antigen 125) test, which can be used as a screening for ovarian cancer. It should be noted that high levels of CA 125 do not always mean cancer is present.
One other common cancer screening test, regardless of gender, is the CA 19.9 test (Cancer Antigen 19.9). It is used to detect antigens from pancreatic cancer but it may also indicate cirrhosis or other non-cancer issues.
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Even if you do not show any serious symptoms, things can still be going wrong inside. The older we get, the more our body’s natural repair and metabolism rate decreases. Slower metabolism also means that as you age, it becomes easier to put on weight. As you can see, it becomes more important as you hit 50 to make preventive tests part of your healthcare routine. With the right tests at the right time, you can avoid serious (and expensive) long term medical issues.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
The key to good health is caution and awareness. You can avert many lifestyle disorders if you are careful with how you live your life. A well-planned diet that provides our body with all the right nutrition, a little bit of exercise regularly and preventive health checkups go a long way in keeping us fit, healthy and happy.
Once you turn 40, it is time you get serious about your health. Your body has undergone a lot of stress in these 40 years of your life and the effects of tireless exertions, unhealthy eating and anxiety begin to show. This is when people begin to notice the onset of several health disorders which may escalate unless the right action is taken.
So, what is to be done? Simple, you just need to undergo a few basic healthcare tests. These tests will reveal if there is anything wrong with your health. Based on the results, you can tweak your lifestyle or start taking prescribed medication to nip the illness in the bud or manage it successfully.
Without further ado, let us take a look at some tests that everyone in their 40s (or even people who are older) needs to undergo at regular intervals.
What tests should be done at age 40? Here’s a comprehensive list:
| Name of the test | Purpose of the test |
| Cardiac Markers Test | This test assesses the risk of cardiac disorders. When your heart is in distress, certain substances called biomarkers are released into the bloodstream. This test measures the biomarkers to predict or diagnose underlying heart disease. Schedule a checkup with a cardiologist once a year. You may also have to undergo ECG, cardiac stress test or 2D echo along with the cardiac biomarkers test to see how well your heart is functioning. |
| Lipid Profile | Often recommended with cardiac markers test, the lipid profile or panel measures the volume of fat molecules or lipids in your blood. This test will give you the total amount of cholesterol, good cholesterol (HDL), bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides in your blood. Fat molecules can clog your arteries, triggering hypertension and eventually heart attack or cardiac arrest. |
| Thyroid Test | Internationally, doctors are recommending thyroid tests to people over the age of 35, even if they do not exhibit symptoms of overactive or underactive thyroid. Moreover, women are 10 times more likely to develop thyroid problems, so they must mandatorily undergo the TSH blood test once a year. Untreated thyroid disorders can affect your entire metabolism and mental health. It can cause obesity, dementia, arthritis and even heart disorders. |
| Renal Function Test (RFT/KFT) | A kidney function test assesses the state of your renal health by measuring a number of substances such as proteins, glucose, creatinine, electrolyte and minerals. This test is especially necessary if you have already been diagnosed with hypertension or if your cholesterol levels are high. |
| CBC | A Complete Blood Count test will give your doctor a comprehensive look into the state of your health. This test measures your WBC, RBC, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, haematocrit, platelets etc. This routine test gives an idea of your blood picture and may signal an infection or conditions like anemia. |
| Diabetes Test (postprandial and fasting) and HbA1c | Since our current lifestyle makes us vulnerable to diabetes. It is imperative to get the blood sugar test done. For a comprehensive analysis of your glucose levels and how your body responds to insulin, you should book both the fasting and postprandial tests. The HbA1c test can measure your glucose level attached to the haemoglobin (called glycated haemoglobin). It can predict diabetes or detect prediabetes. This is especially recommended for people in southern and western India. |
| Vitamin B12 Test | As the name suggests, this test will reveal your level of Vitamin B12. Vegetarians and women should definitely get this test done once they enter their 40s because vitamin B12 deficiency is linked to anaemia and since this vitamin is mostly found in animal-based foods, vegetarians are likely to have low levels of vitamin B12. Deficiency of this vitamin can lead to problems of the nervous system, memory loss and weakening of bones. |
| Urine Test | A routine urine test can detect anomalies in the functions of the liver or kidney. It can also diagnose urinary tract infection or any metabolic problem. |
| Pap Smear | This test analyzes the cells of your cervix for signs of cancer. Women in their 40s are recommended to undergo this test. This test should be done once every 3-5 years. |
| Eye and Dental Check | Even if you have been avoiding yearly eye and bi-annual oral check-ups all these years, it’s time to get serious about these tests. Work from home, increased screen time and unhealthy posture has led to increased risk of short-sightedness and farsightedness. Also cataract, glaucoma, retinopathy are some eye conditions, if diagnosed early can be managed well. Similarly, your oral health needs attention too. You need to have healthy gums and teeth to relish the nutritious food you love and untreated dental infections can bring serious health complications later on. |
These preventive healthcare tests are crucial. Do not ignore them just because you are not yet showing any signs of an illness. Eat healthy meals, take nutritional supplements, work out regularly and ask your doctor which tests you need to opt for. The care you take today is an investment for the future.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
South Asian populations, including Indians, account for a high risk of heart ailment even in the younger age groups. In fact, according to a Stanford University study, South Asian people have a 40% higher mortality rate due to heart attacks than people from the rest of the world.
But of late, it has been observed that the age group that is the worst hit is the 25 – 40 bracket. The age group who is often indulged in unhealthy lifestyles and habits like smoking, alcohol and remain ignorant of the fact that they too are at risk of developing some serious illnesses. Appearing healthy from the outside does not assure perfect health.
It is important to prevent heart attacks as they could lead to severe complications like heart failure. What’s the difference between heart attack and heart failure? Generally, heart attacks occur when the blood flow to a part of the heart is partially or completely cut off, while on the other hand, heart failure is a condition where the heart is unable to pump sufficient blood to other body parts as efficiently as it should.
The time has come to become aware of the possibility of grave heart disorders and learn of ways to avert them. No matter how young you are, it is not too early to start taking care of your heart.
Physical activity significantly helps to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. When done regularly, moderate- and vigorous-intensity aerobic exercises can lower an individual’s risk for coronary heart disease.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D
Typically people think that the risk of heart ailments rises when a man reaches his 50s and a woman crosses the age of 65. But these days, heart illnesses or other disorders that lead to heart problems such as hypertension or high levels of cholesterol and triglycerides are being noticed in people in their 20s, 30s and 40s.
Why are the youth today more vulnerable to heart attacks than the previous generations?
The primary reason is the prevalent sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy diet. Modern lifestyle ups the risk of heart attacks among the youth.
The lives of the youth today are riddled with stress. Stress levels are higher today than ever before. With workplace toxicity, unrealistic expectations, financial insecurity in a volatile job market, distressing news and social media abuse being rampant, the youth today do not have healthy ways of dealing with stress.
Chronic stress is dangerous for the body. It causes unhealthy weight gain and high blood pressure. Undiagnosed hypertension damages the arteries and lowers blood supply to the heart. In the absence of enough blood, the heart muscles start degrading and eventually, this causes a heart attack.
Indians have higher risk of CAD at young age compared to other populations. Risk factor profile remains similar to those of old adults such as dyslipidemia, tobacco, diabetes, and hypertension but conditions like hyperhomocysteinemia, hypercoagulable states, and cocaine use, etc. are specific to younger population and should be evaluated in CAD cases. CAD in the young is increasing in prevalence in India due to changing lifestyle. Family history of premature CAD is one of the strongest risk factor in young individuals.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
Another answer to the question of why do young people have heart attacks, lies in the foods that the youth today eat. To deal with stress and also because the youth barely has the time or energy to cook healthy meals, unhealthy eating is on a rise. Frequent cravings are satiated with sweets, desserts and oily fried foods. Reliance on take-out foods has increased. All these foods are harmful to the heart.
Trans fats found in deep-fried foods, white bread, cookies, cakes or pastries raise the level of LDL (bad cholesterol). LDL builds up along the inner lining of blood vessels of the heart. This creates an obstruction that narrows the passage and limits how much blood reaches the heart. This may eventually trigger a heart attack or cardiac arrest. Youth these days indulge in extreme diets, take a variety of health supplements on their own which can be harmful. Any diet plan or health supplements should not be taken without discussing with a doctor or registered dietician.
Unhealthy eating causes obesity and is one of the primary risk factors of diabetes. Studies have found that the obesity rate in India is increasing more rapidly than the global average and India already ranks 3rd in the obesity index.
The incident rate of obesity is quite high in the youth and obesity increases the risk of type 2 diabetes. Both obesity and diabetes are considered risk factors for heart diseases.
It is important for everyone to stay aware of the warning signs of heart attack and get yourself tested by a cardiologist when in doubt.
Dr. Arpit Verma, MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)
Too little or too much exercise is another reason why young people are having heart attacks.
Cardiovascular exercises such as jogging, brisk walking, swimming, dancing, skipping rope (any exercise that makes your heart rate go up) ward off obesity and keep LDL and triglyceride levels in check and thus protect the heart. Exercises also increase blood supply to the heart. But unfortunately, many youngsters are reluctant to exercise because they think they don’t have enough time after work.
On the other end of the spectrum are youngsters who exercise too much in a bid to fit the media-established idea of the ‘perfect body’. If there is a pre-existing heart condition that has not been diagnosed yet, then excessive exercise can damage the heart further and bring on a heart attack. Unregulated weight training can thicken the heart muscles and unprescribed supplements can trigger arrhythmia.
According to doctors, some people in their 20s start developing heart blockages because of genetics or bad cholesterol. In such a state, if the person puts his/her body through an extreme workout, the exertion can trigger the formation of blood clots near the blockages which can result in a heart attack.
Lack of physical activity, prolonged sitting hours in front of a laptop or TV, excessive screen time, poor sleep habits, improper eating schedule together affect a person’s health. Working in these areas can offer great health benefits and this applies to people of all age groups.
All healthcare experts will tell you that you can substantially lower the risks of cardiac problems by following a healthy lifestyle. A perfectly healthy-looking person may also have an underlying illness that can be diagnosed by routine health checkups. Follow these tips:
If needed, consider seeking the help of a therapist. It is nothing to be ashamed of.
Start taking better care of your heart health from today. No matter how young you are, your health deserves special attention and love. Live healthy to prevent not just heart attacks but many other illnesses as well. And if there is a prevalence of heart disorders or diabetes within the family, get yourself tested at least once a year. Prevention is always better than cure, stay aware and keep up good health.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
