The age of forty is considered a turning point in a person’s life, carrying many changes on all health and psychological levels. Perhaps this is what prompted doctors and researchers to pay more attention to people of this age by urging necessary medical examinations.
Doctors agree that the age of forty is an ideal time to evaluate the health condition and discover any health problem early to begin treating it before its symptoms worsen, and then protect the body from any diseases that may occur during the following years, especially dangerous diseases such as cancers, heart and brain diseases.
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Warnings About “The Silent Killer” (Hypertension)
Doctors recommend the necessity of performing periodic medical examinations to prevent possible diseases that affect men and women at the age of forty, most notably checking blood pressure, to ensure that its level is not high, especially since it is called (The Silent Killer).
Most people with high blood pressure (hypertension) may not know the truth about this, and are not subject to any treatment plans, which may make them vulnerable to heart attacks.
Checking Blood Sugar and Cholesterol Levels
The incidence of type 2 diabetes increases after the age of forty, so doctors advise the need to undergo periodic tests to measure the cumulative blood sugar level every three months, which may help to recover quickly if the infection is discovered at the beginning.
It is also necessary for those who fall into this age group to undergo a lipid test, provided that the person fasts for 12 hours, to avoid atherosclerosis and heart and stroke diseases, as it has been observed in those affected by high levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood, and fatty liver, This is because storing excess cholesterol in the liver leads to its increase over time.
Important Medical Examinations for Women Over Forty
One of the most important examinations that a woman must undergo upon reaching the age of forty is a breast cancer examination to ensure that there are no tumors, especially if there is any family history.
Even if a woman performs a self-breast examination at home, she must undergo a mammogram after the age of forty to ensure that there are no cancerous tumors in the breast, as it is one of the diseases that the chances of contracting it increase with age.
Cervical screening also helps detect any cancerous tumors or sexually transmitted diseases, as this stage is likely to witness disturbing symptoms of menopause, along with hormonal changes that may affect health in general.
Maintaining Heart Health
A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology indicated that high levels of cholesterol and blood pressure before the age of 40 can increase the risk of heart disease later in life. Therefore, doctors recommend that a heart muscle stress test be performed. Conducting the necessary periodic examinations, especially for smokers and those suffering from high blood pressure, to prevent atherosclerosis or poor brain perfusion.
Gout Prevention
Doctors recommend not eating too much red meat and seafood to avoid developing gout, especially at the age of forty, as studies have shown that it increases in this age group and appears in the form of pain in the bones and joints.
Therefore, doctors advise that it is necessary to periodically examine the level of uric acid in the blood, to detect gout. Due to the accumulation of crystals of this acid in the blood around the joints, especially in the joints of the feet.
Conduct a Comprehensive Blood Test
Doctors stress the necessity of conducting comprehensive periodic medical examinations in the forties of life, the most prominent of which is a comprehensive blood examination, which includes examining the level of hemoglobin, blood strength, and the ratio of red and white blood cells, to ensure that there are no infections or anemia, and examining the functions of the liver and kidneys. As they are the most important organs of the body, in addition to conducting a thyroid examination for those who have a family history of the disease.
Source: Emirates Today
