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Health check for over 40's

Dr Karen Martin
Reviewed by Dr Karen MartinReviewed on 10.10.2024 | 2 minutes read
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Many doctors recommend a yearly check-up for individuals aged between 40 and 74. It is your choice if you decide to schedule a health check. The reason for the health check is to assess for age-related diseases that become more common as you age. These include heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, stroke, and dementia. The health check allows you to identify any risks early and better prepare you for the future so that you can make informed, proactive steps to improve your health. If you have no other medical conditions, this health check is usually recommended to be repeated every 5 years.

What happens at a health check?

A health check is typically no longer than 30 minutes. You are usually asked some questions about your family history and lifestyle by the health care assistant or nurse at your doctor's office. They will then measure your height, weight, and blood pressure, and there will usually be some routine blood tests to check your full blood count, kidneys, and other routine markers.

You will receive your blood test results later. Still, at the end of the consultation, you will receive tailored advice about reducing your risk of developing any of the previously mentioned diseases. This could consist of:

  • dietary advice
  • fitness
  • lifestyle changes

After a review of your results, it may involve starting medications too. If you are older than 65 you will also be given information on symptoms and signs to watch out for dementia.

Why are health checks important?

They are important to address any modifiable risk factors. These could include:

  • reducing your weight
  • improving your level of activity
  • Improving your diet
  • helping you to cut down on smoking or alcohol
  • addressing and reducing your cholesterol and blood pressure

All of these factors individually and collectively put you at greater risk of developing heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, kidney disease, and dementia if not addressed.

Would Healthwords recommend scheduling my health check?

Yes. Research suggests that health checks are effective. Through screening for the most common diseases, there is an increased chance of picking them up early.

The latest research suggests that health checks can identify:

  • high blood pressure
  • type 2 diabetes
  • high risk of cardiovascular disease

How can I arrange my health check?

You can schedule a health check with your family physician. You will be automatically invited to reschedule every 5 years between 40 and 74 years old if you have no other conditions. If you do, you will be followed up more regularly for that condition.

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This article has been written by UK-based doctors and pharmacists, so some advice may not apply to US users and some suggested treatments may not be available. For more information, please see our T&Cs.
Dr Karen Martin
Reviewed by Dr Karen Martin
Reviewed on 10.10.2024
EmailFacebookPinterestTwitter