Regular examinations after 50

Regular examinations after 50: the key to active and healthy longevity

The age of 50 years is an important line that marks the beginning of a new stage of life. During this period, natural changes in the body occur, the risk of developing certain diseases increases. Regular preventive examinations become not just desirable, but necessary to maintain health, early identification of potential problems and ensure active and full longevity. This article will consider in detail what examinations are recommended to take place after 50 years, how often they should be done, and what you need to know about the preparation and interpretation of the results.

I. General recommendations for regular examinations for people over 50 years old:

Firstly, it should be noted that the recommendations for examinations should be individualized. Family history (the history of diseases in close relatives), lifestyle, the presence of bad habits and other risk factors play an important role in determining the necessary set of examinations and the frequency of their conduct. Consultation with therapist or general practitioner is the first and most important step.

A. annual examinations:

1. General examination by the therapist/General Practice:

   • Target: Assessment of the general state of health, identifying complaints, collecting anamnesis, physical examination (measurement of blood pressure, pulse, skin examination, palpation of lymph nodes and thyroid gland, auscultation of the heart and lungs).
   • Importance: Allows you to identify signs of diseases at an early stage, evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment, adjust the lifestyle and give recommendations on the prevention of diseases.
   • Additional points: It is necessary to honestly and in detail to answer the questions of the doctor, without hiding any symptoms or changes in well -being. You should bring with you a list of drugs taken, including vitamins and food additives.

2. Measurement of blood pressure:

   • Target: Identification of arterial hypertension (high pressure), which is one of the main risk factors for the development of cardiovascular diseases, stroke and kidney disease.
   • Importance: Arterial hypertension often occurs asymptomatic in the early stages, therefore, regular measurement of pressure is necessary for timely diagnosis and treatment.
   • Additional points: Before measuring blood pressure, the use of coffee, tea and energy drinks, as well as smoking, should be avoided. It is necessary to relax within 5-10 minutes before measurement and not talk during the procedure. It is advisable to measure the pressure several times during the day and keep a diary in order to provide the doctor with more complete information.

3. Blood test for general cholesterol, LDL (low density lipoproteins), HDL (high density lipoproteins) and triglycerides (lipidogram):

   • Target: Assessment of the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease and stroke.
   • Importance: The increased level of LDL cholesterol (“bad” cholesterol) and triglycerides contributes to the formation of atherosclerotic plaques in the vessels, which leads to narrowing of the lumen of blood vessels and circulatory disorders. The increased level of HDL cholesterol (“good” cholesterol) has a protective effect.
   • Additional points: A blood test for the lipidogram is carried out on an empty stomach, after 12-14 hours of starvation. On the eve of the study, the use of fatty and fried food, alcohol and intensive physical activity should be avoided.

4. Blood test for glucose:

   • Target: Identification of diabetes of type 2 or pre -kicked.
   • Importance: Type 2 diabetes mellitus often occur in asymptomatic in the early stages, so regular control of the level of glucose in the blood is necessary for timely diagnosis and treatment. Prediabet is a condition where the blood glucose level is higher than the norm, but does not yet reach diabetes. Timely detection of pre -the -diabetes and a change in lifestyle (diet, physical activity) can prevent the development of type 2 diabetes.
   • Additional points: A blood test for glucose is usually carried out on an empty stomach. In some cases, the doctor may prescribe a test for glucose tolerance (glucosotolerant test), which allows you to more accurately evaluate the function of the pancreas.

5. General urine analysis:

   • Target: Identification of diseases of the kidneys, urinary tract, diabetes and other diseases.
   • Importance: A general urine analysis allows you to identify the presence of protein, glucose, leukocytes, red blood cells and other components that may indicate the presence of a pathological process.
   • Additional points: For analysis, a morning portion of urine is used. Before collecting urine, hygienic procedures are necessary.

6. Electrocardiogram (ECG):

   • Target: Assessment of heart function, identification of rhythm and conductivity disorders, signs of ischemia (insufficient blood supply) of the myocardium.
   • Importance: The ECG allows you to identify cardiovascular diseases at an early stage, when there are no pronounced symptoms.
   • Additional points: Special preparation for the ECG is not required.

B. Surveys, carried out less often than annually (on the recommendation of a doctor):

1. Colonoscopy:

   • Target: Identification of polyps and cancer of the colon.
   • Importance: Colon cancer is one of the most common oncological diseases. Colonoscopy allows you to identify polyps and other formations at an early stage, when they can be removed and prevented by cancer.
   • Recommendations: It is recommended to start screening for colon cancer at the age of 45 years. If no pathologies are detected with colonoscopy, the next examination is recommended after 10 years. If there are polyps or other risk factors, the doctor may recommend more frequent examinations.
   • Preparation: Preparation for colonoscopy requires careful intestinal cleansing. The doctor will provide detailed instructions for the diet and the use of laxatives.

2. Mammography:

   • Target: Detection of breast cancer.
   • Importance: Breast cancer is the most common oncological disease in women. Mammography allows you to identify tumors at an early stage, when they are not yet felt and are well lended.
   • Recommendations: It is recommended to conduct mammography annually or once every two years, depending on the age and risk factors.
   • Additional points: Women with a high risk of developing breast cancer (for example, in the presence of a family history) can be recommended to start screening at an earlier age and undergo additional examinations, such as MRI of the mammary glands.

3. PSA-test (simplicate-specific antigen):

   • Target: Identification of prostate cancer.
   • Importance: Prostate cancer is one of the most common oncological diseases in men. The PSA test allows you to identify an increased level of the PSA in the blood, which may indicate the presence of prostate cancer or other diseases of the prostate gland.
   • Recommendations: It is recommended to discuss with the doctor the need for a PS test, taking into account age, risk factors and personal preferences. If the PSA test shows an increased level of the dog, the doctor can recommend additional examinations, such as the prostate biopsy.

4. Inspection at an ophthalmologist:

   • Target: Identification of glaucoma, cataracts, age -related macular degeneration and other eyes of the eyes.
   • Importance: With age, the risk of developing eye diseases increases, which can lead to a decrease in vision or blindness. Regular examinations of an ophthalmologist allow you to identify these diseases at an early stage and start treatment in a timely manner.
   • Recommendations: It is recommended to visit an ophthalmologist at least once every two years. In the presence of diabetes or other diseases that can affect vision, examinations of an ophthalmologist should be carried out more often.

5. Densitometry (DXA scan):

   • Target: Bone density assessment and osteoporosis.
   • Importance: Osteoporosis is a disease in which the bones become fragile and easily break. Densitometry allows you to identify osteoporosis at an early stage, when you can take measures to strengthen bones and prevent fractures.
   • Recommendations: It is recommended to carry out densitometry for women over 65 and men over 70 years old. In the presence of risk factors for the development of osteoporosis (for example, in the presence of a family history, taking glucocorticoids or other drugs that may affect bone tissue), densitometry should be carried out earlier.

6. Audiometry (hearing check):

   • Target: Hearing assessment and identification of hearing impairment.
   • Importance: With age, hearing loss is often observed (age -related hearing loss). Audiometry allows you to identify hearing impairment at an early stage and take measures in a timely manner to improve hearing (for example, use the hearing aid).
   • Recommendations: It is recommended to carry out audiometry at least once every 5 years. If there are complaints about hearing deterioration or when working in high noise conditions, audiometry should be carried out more often.

II. Examinations specific to women over 50 years old:

1. Testing by gynecologist:

   • Target: Identification of diseases of the female genital organs, including cervical cancer, ovarian cancer and endometrial cancer.
   • Importance: Regular examinations of a gynecologist allow you to identify diseases at an early stage, when they are well treated.
   • Recommendations: It is recommended to visit the gynecologist annually.

2. PAP test (Mazok Papanikolau):

   • Target: Identification of precancerous and cancer changes in the cervical cells.
   • Importance: Cervical cancer is one of the most common oncological diseases in women. The papa test allows you to identify precancerous changes in the cervix cells at an early stage, when they can be cured and prevent cancer.
   • Recommendations: The frequency of the papa test depends on the age and results of previous studies. The doctor will determine the optimal scheme of screening.

3. HPV test (human papilloma virus):

   • Target: Identification of HPV, which is the main cause of cervical cancer.
   • Importance: HPV is a very common virus that is transmitted sexually. Most HPV infections take place independently, but some types of HPV can cause cervical cancer.
   • Recommendations: The HPV test can be carried out simultaneously with the papa test. The doctor will determine the need to conduct a test for HPV, taking into account the age and results of previous studies.

III. Examinations specific to men over 50 years old:

1. Prostate examination:
   • Target: Identification of benign hyperplasia of the prostate gland (DHCH) and prostate cancer.
   • Importance: DGPG is an increase in the prostate gland, which can lead to urination. Prostate cancer is one of the most common oncological diseases in men.
   • Recommendations: The prostate examination includes a finger rectal examination (at) and a dog test. The frequency of examinations depends on the age, risk factors and personal preferences. It is recommended to discuss with the doctor the need to conduct examinations and the optimal scheme of screening.

IV. Other important aspects of regular examinations:

A. Vaccination:

After 50 years, it is necessary to regularly vaccinate to protect against infectious diseases. Recommended vaccines:

1. Against influenza: Annual vaccination.
2. Against pneumococcal infection: Two vaccines (PCV13 and PPSV23) with an interval of 1 year.
3. Against encircling lichen: Two doses of the recombinant vaccine against girdle lichen (Shingrix).
4. Against the tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis: Revaccination is every 10 years.
5. Against hepatitis B: It is recommended for people with an increased risk of infection (for example, in the presence of chronic liver diseases, when working in medical institutions).
6. Against chickenpox (chickenpox): It is recommended for people who did not hurt chickenpox in childhood.

B. Self -examination:

Regular self -examination is an important part of the prevention of diseases. You should pay attention to any changes in your body and inform the doctor about them.

1. Self -examination of the skin: Regularly inspect the skin for new moles, changes in the amount, shape or color of old moles, as well as for other suspicious formations.
2. Self -examination of the mammary glands (for women): Regularly probe the mammary glands for the presence of seals, nodules or other changes.
3. Self -examination of the testicles (for men): Regularly probed the testicles for seals, nodules or other changes.

C. A healthy lifestyle:

A healthy lifestyle plays an important role in maintaining health and preventing diseases.

1. Proper nutrition: A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grain products and low -fat sources of protein. Limiting the use of fatty, fried, sweet and processed food.
2. Regular physical activity: At least 150 minutes of moderate intensity or 75 minutes of intensive intensity of physical activity per week.
3. Maintaining a healthy weight: Avoid overweight or obesity.
4. Refusal of smoking: Smoking is one of the main risk factors for the development of many diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases and lung diseases.
5. Alcohol use restriction: Moderate drinking of alcohol (no more than one alcoholic drink per day for women and no more than two alcoholic beverages per day for men).
6. Sufficient sleep: At least 7-8 hours of sleep per day.
7. Stress management: Use stress management methods such as yoga, meditation or walking in the fresh air.

V. Preparation for examinations and interpretation of the results:

A. Preparation for examinations:

Preparation for examinations depends on the type of examination. The doctor will provide detailed preparation instructions. It is important to strictly follow the instructions of the doctor in order to get accurate results. Feel free to ask a doctor if you have any doubts or fears.

B. Interpretation of the results:

The results of the examinations must be interpreted with the doctor. The doctor will explain to you the results of the examinations, answer your questions and develop a treatment plan, if necessary. Do not try to interpret the results of the examinations yourself, as this can lead to incorrect conclusions and unnecessary anxiety.

VI. The role of genetic testing:

In recent years, genetic testing has become more and more accessible and can be useful for assessing the risk of developing certain diseases. However, it should be remembered that genetic testing is not a panacea. The results of genetic testing should be interpreted with caution and take into account other risk factors. It is recommended to discuss with the doctor the need for genetic testing and interpretation of the results.

VII. The importance of emotional and mental health:

Regular examinations should also include an assessment of emotional and mental health. With age, the risk of developing depression, anxiety and other mental disorders increases. It is important to pay attention to your emotional state and seek help from a specialist, if necessary.

VIII. Insurance and financial aspects:

The cost of regular examinations can be significant. Find out what examinations are covered by your medical insurance. If you do not have medical insurance, contact the local medical centers and clinics that offer discounts or programs to the poor.

IX. The role of telemedicine:

Telemedicine is becoming more and more popular and can be a convenient way to get a doctor’s consultation without leaving home. Telemedicine can be useful for discussing examinations, obtaining recommendations on the lifestyle and prescribing drugs.

X. Personalized approach:

It is important to remember that the recommendations for examinations should be individualized. There is no universal set of examinations that suits all people over 50 years old. Discuss with the doctor your risk factors and personal preferences to develop the optimal plan for preventive examinations. Regular examinations after 50 years are an investment in your health and longevity. Do not neglect them, and you can enjoy an active and full -fledged life for many years.