There are a plethora of medical tests for men after 40 that you should know more about. Staying fit and fine is something that we all aspire for, especially as we start getting older. Now the key aspect that you should know is that medical tests for men are not linked to any fear or paranoia. They are a normal aspect of your wellness regime and your quest to live a better life.
How is this so? A test for men after 40 means checking for any symptoms, signs, or warning indicators of any potential future health trigger, disease, or niggle that may cause you great hassles later on. Hence, it is always better to keep checking your health periodically, in order to nip issues in the bud if they arise and take preventive measures to improve your health before it gets out of hand.
| Gender: Male |
| Age: 40 and above |
| Different Test Type-Â |
| Eye Checkup |
| Diabetes |
| Cholesterol |
| Colon Cancer |
| Osteoporosis |
| Lipid Profile |
| Blood Sugar |
| Prostate Cancer |
| HIV |
Crucial Medical Tests for Men that you Should Not Neglect
There are many vital medical tests for men that you should periodically undertake after attaining the age of 40. These include some basic and advanced screening tests for men on the basis of their age groups.
1. Cholesterol Check
Screening for men assumes greater importance after 40 and especially till the time they turn 50. This is because they are steadily approaching middle-age at this time and many problems may crop up owing to various lifestyle factors and stress. Hence, you should always make sure that you check carefully for cholesterol levels, especially bad cholesterol or LDL in the body.
High levels of this element may lead to major heart disease risks in the future, along with a ton of other health problems. Men should take blood tests once each year in order to find out their cholesterol levels. Have a chat with your doctor about preventive measures and lifestyle changes to make in case your results indicate high levels of LDL.
Read More:Â Top 9 Foods To Avoid In High Cholesterol
2. Eye Checkup
This is another crucial part of screening for men. Eye check-ups are a must for men above the age of 40. They should get this done periodically every 2-4 years at least, as per recommendations. Your doctor may recommend a smaller gap between tests in order to fix certain issues or vision problems.
3. Diabetes
Another important component of health screenings for men after they turn 40, this test will help identify possible signs of diabetes and help you combat the same in a timely manner. You should go through blood tests every three years till the age of 45 at least. If you are obese or overweight, talk to the doctor about starting even earlier.
4. Colon Cancer
Men above 50 should include this test in their health screenings. This will help in finding any possible signs and symptoms of this ailment. Taking this test is recommended for men with a family history of colon cancer or polyps. Screenings may be conducted via a procedure known as colonoscopy or even a stool occult blood test as it is called.
5. Osteoporosis Test
After the age of 50, men should talk about the possible risks of osteoporosis with their doctors. If they have any risks of suffering from osteoporosis, then doctors may suggest periodic screenings. Factors may include lower body weight, bone fractures after turning 40, and a family history of suffering from osteoporosis.
6. Lipid ProfileÂ
Men above 40 should take the lipid profile test at least once every five years. If someone has issues with heart ailments, diabetes, or kidney problems, then he may be asked to test more frequently by the doctor.
7. Prostate Cancer CheckupÂ
Men should talk to their doctors about prostate cancer risks as well once they are between 45-50 years of age. Those with high risks may be asked to increase their frequency of testing. Testing is done either via blood tumor tests for PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) or digital rectal tests.
8. Blood Sugar
Checking blood sugar levels is a basic thing for men who are 40 and above. You should make sure that you take this test once every three years for checking and identifying any signs of diabetes. Hemoglobin A1C tests may also be alternatively used for detecting any possible signs of diabetes.
9. HIV TestÂ
Men who have several sexual partners or have higher risks of contracting HIV may require testing for the same.
10. Blood Pressure Test
Blood pressure tests are a must for men above 40. This will help them identify whether their pressure levels are near the 120-80 mark or way higher or lower. Doctors will work with them to identify lifestyle factors behind excessively low/high blood pressure. Medication is also prescribed at times.
The Bottom Line
Prevention is better than cure, and herein lies the importance of health screenings for men 40 years old. An early diagnosis through regular health check-ups will help avert them from turning worse and incurable.
- Â Health screenings for men ages 40 to 64. MedlinePlus[Internet].
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007465.htm .Accessed Feb. 28, 2022. - Health screenings for men ages 40 to 64. Cedars Senai[Internet].
https://www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/prevention-guidelines/prevention-guidelines-for-men-40-to-49.html .Accessed Feb. 28, 2022. - Prevention Guidelines for Men 40 to 49. University of Rochester[Internet].
https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=43&contentid=men4049 .Accessed Mar 2, 2022. - Â List of some vital medical check-up for men who crossed 40. Manorama Online Magazine[Internet].
https://www.onmanorama.com/lifestyle/health/2020/02/05/vital-medical-check-up-men-crossed-40.html .Accessed Feb 25, 2022.
Screening Tests for Men over 40 FAQs
What tests should a man have at 40?
Here is a list of screening tests that a man should get done at the age of 40:
• Blood pressure test (ideally this should be done every two years)
• Cholesterol test (you should get this done every five years or so)
• Fasting sugar and HbA1C test (you should get this done once every few years)
• Hepatitis B testing (if you have had sex with multiple partners)
• Hepatitis C testing (if you are a high-risk individual)
• Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test
• Screening test for sexually transmitted diseases (if you have had intercourse with a person whose health history you don’t know)
• Weight checks every year to monitor any fluctuations
• Liver function test once every year or so
• Kidney function test once every year or so
• Complete blood count once every year or so
If you have pre-existing conditions like diabetes, heart ailments, and auto-immune diseases the frequency and number of tests will be different.
What tests should a man have at 45, 50, and so on?
Regular screening tests for diabetes, heart ailments, hypertension, kidney and liver function, etc. are recommended for men who are aged 45 and above. The body changes over time and the lifestyle you lived when you were 2o or 30 years old may not be working for you at the age of 45 or above; thus, getting regular tests to monitor your health is a good way of managing health.
Men who are aged 65–75 years and used to smoke should also consider getting tested for abdominal aortic aneurysm and lung cancer and get a colorectal screening done as well.
How often should you get blood work done in your 40s?
Basic blood parameters should be tested every year or so, but specific tests analysing your organ systems such as kidney and liver should be done as per your doctor’s recommendation.
