Turning 40 brings natural changes to your body and increases the likelihood of certain health conditions. Regular health screenings help identify potential concerns before symptoms appear, allowing for appropriate management or treatment.
This guide covers three important health screenings that doctors commonly recommend after age 40, explaining what each test involves and why healthcare providers suggest them at this life stage.
Blood Pressure Monitoring
Blood pressure tends to rise gradually with age as blood vessels become less flexible. High blood pressure typically develops without noticeable symptoms, making regular monitoring particularly valuable for adults over 40.
What the test involves
A blood pressure check involves placing a cuff around your upper arm and inflating it briefly to measure the pressure in your arteries. Understanding your results:
Understanding the results
- A normal reading is below 120 over 80 millimetres of mercury.
- If readings are normal, annual checks are recommended.
- If readings are above normal, your doctor may advise more frequent monitoring.
Why it matters
High blood pressure increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney issues. Regular checks allow for early detection and preventive steps, such as changes in diet, exercise, or medication.
Risk factors include
Family history, excess body weight, low activity levels, and high salt or alcohol intake.
Cholesterol Testing
Cholesterol levels naturally increase with age, particularly after menopause in women and in men over 40. A cholesterol test, also called a lipid panel, measures different fats in the blood and helps assess heart health.
What the test includes
- Total cholesterol: Measures all types of cholesterol in the blood.
- LDL cholesterol: Often called “bad” cholesterol because it can build up in blood vessels.
- HDL cholesterol: Known as “good” cholesterol, it helps remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream.
- Triglycerides: A type of fat that can raise the risk of heart problems when elevated.
Test preparation
You may be asked to avoid eating or drinking anything except water for 9 to 12 hours before the test.
Why it matters
Identifying high cholesterol early allows for effective management through diet, physical activity, or medication if necessary.
Type 2 Diabetes Screening
The likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes increases after 40, particularly for individuals with excess abdominal weight or family history of the condition. Early screening helps detect blood sugar problems before complications develop.
Common screening tests
- Fasting glucose test: Measures blood sugar after at least 8 hours without eating. Normal levels are below 100 milligrams per decilitre.
- HbA1c test: Measures average blood sugar over the last two to three months. This test does not require fasting.
Interpreting the results
- Results above normal but below diabetic levels may indicate prediabetes.
- If any result is outside the normal range, your doctor will usually recommend further testing.
Why it matters
Early identification of blood sugar issues allows for lifestyle changes or treatment that may prevent diabetes and its long-term complications.
Scheduling Your Health Screenings
These tests are a key part of preventive care for adults over 40. Internal medicine and hypertension specialists routinely recommend them to assess cardiovascular and metabolic health as patients age. In some cases, these screenings are also available through workplace health programmes.
What you can do
- Consult your internal medicine specialist to determine which screenings are appropriate based on your medical history, lifestyle, and risk factors.
- The timing and frequency of each test may vary depending on your overall health and specific concerns.
- Early screening allows your specialist to identify subtle changes before symptoms develop, offering timely advice or intervention to help preserve long-term health.
