What are the most important health check-ups?

Dr.Sahil Kapoor, 3 mins read

In the hustle and bustle of life, we often give a bare minimum time and attention to our health. That’s because many of us think that we are all okay until we have serious symptoms. 

But it’s important to understand that many diseases develop silently and show symptoms once they reach an advanced stage, making treatment difficult. That’s where the role of periodic health checkups comes into play. This guide will discuss some of the most important health checkups you should consider. 

Please note that the frequency of a health checkup listed below may vary depending on the person’s overall health. So, it’s best to consult a medical doctor to know the exact tests and their frequencies.

These experts will evaluate your overall health, family history, and risk factors to suggest the ideal frequency and health checkups. 

Top 10 important health checkups

1. Blood Pressure Check

• Frequency: 18 to 39-year-old individuals with no risk factors should get their BP checked every 2 to 5 years. Those 40 and older, or younger with risk factors, should have it checked once a year. And those who have a history of fluctuating BP should check their BP more often.
• Importance: High blood pressure can lead to heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease

2. Blood Sugar Test

• Frequency: People above 35 years of age should check their blood sugar annually. Those with a high risk of diabetes should check more often.  
• Importance: Early detection of diabetes or prediabetes can help prevent complications. Even help in better management and treatment planning. 

3. Lipid Profile Test

• Frequency: Every 5 years starting at age 20. Those above 55 years should get an annual lipid profile checkup. And people with high risk factors should get it frequently.
• Importance: Measures cholesterol levels, helping to assess heart disease risk

4. Mammogram (for women)

• Frequency: Annually (starting at age 40 or as recommended by a doctor).
• Importance: Early detection of breast cancer

5. Colon Cancer Screening

• Frequency: Starting at age 45 (or earlier if family history).
• Importance: Early detection and prevention of colon cancer

6. Annual Physical Exam

• Frequency: Annually for every age group and gender 
• Importance: Comprehensive check-up to monitor overall health and address concerns

7. Vision and Hearing Tests

• Frequency: Regularly, especially with age. Those with vision and hearing problems should get the checkup more frequently. 
• Importance: Early detection of vision or hearing issues can improve quality of life

8. Bone Density Test

• Frequency: Women over 65 or those with high risk factors should get it done every two years. And those with moderate risk factors should get it done every 3 to 5 years. Women below 65 years and above 40 years may also need a bone density test, especially if their body weight is very low, family has a history of osteoporosis, height is decreasing half an inch yearly and if they have had one or more fractures. 
• Importance: Assesses osteoporosis risk and bone health.

9. Skin Check

• Frequency: Regularly, especially with family history or excessive sun exposure.
• Importance: Early detection of skin cancer and better management of skin health.

10. Mental Health Check-Up

• Frequency: As needed, prioritising mental well-being
• Importance: Addressing mental health concerns and promoting overall well-being

Why Regular Check-Ups Matter?

Regular health check-ups can help in:

• Detection of health issues early
• Prevention of complications
• Improving treatment outcomes 
• Enhancing overall well-being

Considering a health checkup? Consult us at Aakash Healthcare to know when and what tests you should get done based on your overall health, age, and risk factors. Healthy living starts with healthy choices. And a periodic health checkup is a good choice for your overall health.