Important Health Tests to Perform During Old Age

When you tend to grow old, you need to perform medical tests on a regular basis. This is the time when you should be proactive about your health condition and evaluate the changes in your body. Read on to know about some necessary tests that adults should conduct for their improved health.

Check blood pressure

Blood pressure or hypertension is usually known as a silent killer as the symptoms do not appear till it gets very late. Statistics show, nearly 64 percent of men and around 69 percent of women who are in the age group of 65 to 74 years have higher blood pressure. It increases the risks for getting heart attack or stroke. So, it is necessary to get your pressure checked at least once in a year.

Blood Tests for Lipid

The levels of triglyceride and healthy cholesterol lessens the chances of getting a stroke or heart attack. If the results of the test denote higher levels of either of them, then the doctor may suggest taking a better diet, some changes in your lifestyle and proper medications to lessen them.

Colorectal cancer exam

A colonoscopy is a kind of test where the doctor usescamera to scan colon for cancerous polyps. In simple words, a polyp is an unusual growth of the tissue.

It is important to get a colonoscopy done in every 10 years after 50 years.

Also, you need to get it done often in case there are polyps or you have a family record of colorectal cancer. By performing rectal examination, you can detect for the masses in your anal canal.

A digital rectal examination will enable to check for the lower area of your rectum only but s a colonoscopy can scan the entire rectum. Colorectal cancer can be treated when detected at an early stage however, there are some cases that cannot be identified till they move to advanced stages.

Proper vaccination

You need to have a tetanus booster in every 10 years. When you are 65 years, you can ask the doctor for a pneumococcal vaccine so that you can stay protected against pneumonia as well as other kinds of infections.

Pneumococcal disease may lead to several health problems such as: 

meningitis



pericarditis



pneumonia



inner eye infections



sinusitis



endocarditis

Eye examination

Adults should have a baseline screening when they are 40 years. The eye doctor can decide when you should go for routine follow-ups. This means yearly vision screening in case you need to wear glasses or contact lenses. Your age may increase the chances for getting certain eye diseases such as cataracts or glaucoma and new or worse eyesight problems.

Periodontal examination

With age, your dental health plays an important role and the older people can take certain medications that can leave a negative impact on their overall health. Some of these medications are: 

antidepressants



antihistamines



diuretics

Dental problems can cause natural teeth loss and your dentist need to perform a periodontal examination during one of the twicecleanings in a year. He will also conduct X-ray of the jaw and assess your teeth, gums, throat and mouth to detect any signs or oral problems.

Hearing Test

Hearing loss is natural usually a natural part of aging process. Sometimes, it may occur due to some infection or other medical problem. You need to get an audiogram done in every two to three years. With an audiogram, you can check the hearing at different intensity levels and pitches. Most loss of hearing can e treated though the treatment options will depend on the exact cause and seriousness of the problem.

Bone density scan

Nowadays, both men and women are at greater risk for this condition but women are more affected than men. With a bone density scan, it can calculate

your bone mass that denotes the strength of bones. It is suggested to perform bone scans regularly after 65 years, particularly for women.

Vitamin D test

Some people are deficit in Vitamin D that can keep the bones protected. It may even prevent diabetes, heart disease and some kinds of cancer. It is recommended to undergo this test yearly as with age, the body has difficult time to synthesise with Vitamin D.

Screening for thyroid-stimulate hormone

The thyroid which is a kind of gland in the neck regulates metabolic rate of your body that do not produce sufficient hormones. This can cause weight gain, achiness or sluggishness. It can lead to some problems like erectile dysfunction in case of men. By conducting a blood test, you can know the level of thyroid-stimulating hormone or TSH and determine whether your thyroid is not functioning well.

Check your skin condition

You can detect the symptoms of your skin problems by checking for any suspicious or new moles. This is the time when you should visit a dermatologist for full examination of your body once in a year.

Diabetes test

Everyone who is 45 years and above should go for a screening done and detect if they have diabetes. This can be done through a blood sugar test with fasting or a A1C blood testing.

Mammogram

According to some doctors, a woman should go for a breast examination once in every two years. Women who are within 45 to 54 years need to perform a clinic breast examination and yearly screening for mammogram. Women who

are above 55 years need to conduct an examination in every 1 or 2 years according to their choice. If you have a greater risk for breast cancer, then your doctor may ask for a yearly screening.

Pap smear

Women who are above 65 years should perform a Pap smear and pelvic examination on a regular basis. Pap smears will help to detect for vaginal or cervical cancer. With the help of a pelvic examination,you will know about different health problems such as pelvic pain or incontinence. Women who do not have a cervix may not get Pap smears anymore.

Prostate cancer screening

The probability of prostate cancer may be identified by either measuring the levels of prostate-specific antigen or PSA present in the blood or a digital rectal examination. As per the doctors, people who are 50 years and are at some risk for prostate cancer need to conduct a screening. He will also discuss about screening with 40 to 45 years who are at greater risk, have had a family record of prostate cancer or a relative had died from the disease recently.

Thus, you may visit Medical Express Clinic where the doctors will conduct necessary tests when you grow old and improve your health condition.