Regular examinations after 50

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Regular examinations after 50: Guide to maintain health and active longevity

The age of 50 years is a significant milestone that often marks the beginning of a new stage of life, full of opportunities and experience. However, along with wisdom and accumulated knowledge, changes in the body also come to increase the risk of developing certain diseases. That is why regular preventive examinations become especially important after 50 years, allowing you to timely identify potential problems and take measures to prevent or treatment. This vast guide will provide detailed information about the necessary examinations, their meaning, preparation for them and the frequency of conduct.

1. General assessment of health status:

The first step to maintain health after 50 is the annual visit to the therapist or general practitioner. This visit will allow a general assessment of the state of health, discuss any complaints that have arisen, get recommendations on a healthy lifestyle and send to the necessary specialized examinations.

  • Measurement of blood pressure: Hypertension (increased blood pressure) often occurs asymptomatic, but is the main risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, stroke and renal failure. Regular measurement of blood pressure allows you to timely identify the problem and begin treatment, reducing the risk of complications. The blood pressure below 120/80 mm Hg is considered normal. Art.

  • Pulse rating: Pulse measurement allows you to evaluate the heart rate and identify arrhythmias (heart rhythm disorders). The normal pulse frequency at rest is 60-100 beats per minute.

  • Breathing: The doctor will appreciate the frequency and depth of breathing, listen to the lungs for the presence of wheezing or other abnormalities. This can help identify signs of lung diseases, such as chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD) or pneumonia.

  • Measurement of growth and weight: Weight control is important to prevent obesity, which is a risk factor for many diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and some types of cancer. Changing growth may indicate osteoporosis.

  • Calculation of the body mass index (BMI): BMI is an indicator that allows you to evaluate the correspondence of weight growth. BMI from 25 to 29.9 is considered overweight, and BMI 30 and above – obesity.

  • General blood test (UAC): UAC is a comprehensive blood test that includes the determination of the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, hemoglobin and other indicators. The UAC can help identify anemia, infections, inflammatory processes and other diseases.

  • Biochemical blood test: The biochemical blood test includes the determination of the level of glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, creatinine, urea, liver enzymes and other indicators. This analysis allows you to evaluate the function of various organs and systems, identify metabolic disorders and the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.

  • Urine analysis: Urine analysis allows you to detect diseases of the kidneys, urinary tract, diabetes and other diseases.

2. Screening for cardiovascular diseases:

Cardiovascular diseases are the main cause of death around the world. Regular screening allows you to identify risk factors and start treatment in a timely manner, reducing the risk of heart attack, stroke and other complications.

  • Measurement of blood pressure: (Already mentioned above). It is necessary to carry out regularly, at least once a year, and in the presence of hypertension – more often, on the recommendation of a doctor.

  • Blood test for cholesterol and lipid profile: A high level of cholesterol, especially “bad” cholesterol (LDL), is a risk factor for atherosclerosis, which leads to narrowing of the arteries and increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. The lipid profile also includes determining the level of “good” cholesterol (HDL) and triglycerides. The target values of cholesterol and lipids depend on the individual risk of cardiovascular diseases.

  • Electrocardodiography (ECG): ECG is a recording of the electrical activity of the heart. ECG allows you to identify arrhythmias, signs of myocardial ischemia (insufficient blood supply to the heart muscle) and other heart disease.

  • Stress Test (Tredmil test or bicycle ergometry): A load test is carried out to evaluate the function of the heart during physical activity. He can help identify the hidden ischemia of myocardium, which is not manifested at rest.

  • Ultrasound of the heart (echocardiography): Ultrasound of the heart allows you to evaluate the structure and function of the heart, identify heart defects, myocardial hypertrophy and other diseases.

  • Risk assessment on the Score scale: The Score scale is used to assess a ten-year-old risk of death from cardiovascular diseases. It takes into account age, gender, blood pressure, cholesterol and smoking.

3. Screening for oncological diseases:

The risk of cancer is increased with age. Regular screening allows you to identify cancer at an early stage when treatment is most effective.

  • Tolstoy cancer screening:

    • Colonoscopy: Colonoscopy is an endoscopic examination of the colon, which allows you to identify polyps (precancerous formations) and other anomalies. It is recommended to carry out every 10 years, starting from 45-50 years. In the presence of risk factors (family history of colon cancer, inflammatory intestinal diseases), it is recommended to start screening earlier and conduct colonoscopy more often.

    • Sigmoidoscopy: Sigmoidoscopy is an endoscopic examination of only the lower part of the colon (sigmoid colon). It is recommended to carry out every 5 years, in combination with the annual analysis of feces for hidden blood (FOBT) or fecal immunochemical test (FIT).

    • Calais analysis for hidden blood (FOBT) or fecal immunochemical test (FIT): These tests allow you to identify the presence of blood in feces, which can be a sign of cancer or colon polyps. It is recommended to carry out annually.

    • Virtual colonoscopy (CT-kolonography): Virtual colonoscopy is an X -ray study of the colon, which allows you to get three -dimensional images. It is recommended to carry out every 5 years.

  • Breast cancer screening (for women):

    • Mammography: Mammography is an X -ray examination of the mammary glands, which allows you to identify tumors at an early stage. It is recommended to carry out annually, starting from 40-50 years.

    • Self -examination of the mammary glands: Women are recommended monthly to conduct a self-examination of the mammary glands to identify any changes, such as compaction, secretion or changes in the skin.

    • Clinical examination of the mammary glands by a doctor: It is recommended to spend annually while visiting a doctor.

    • Ultrasound of the mammary glands: An ultrasound of the mammary glands can be recommended in addition to mammography, especially for women with dense tissue of the mammary glands.

  • Frequency of cervical cancer (for women):

    • PAP test (Mazok Papanikolau): The papa test is a cytological study of the cervical cells, which allows you to detect precancerous changes and cervical cancer. It is recommended to carry out every 3-5 years, depending on the age and results of previous tests.

    • HPV test (human papilloma virus): HPV is the main cause of the cervix cancer. The HPV test allows you to identify the presence of a virus and determine the risk of developing cervical cancer.

  • Prostate cancer screening (for men):

    • Blood test for a dog (prostate-specific antigen): The dog is a protein that is produced by prostate cells. An increased PSA level may be a sign of prostate cancer. It is recommended to carry out annually, starting from 50 years (or earlier, in the presence of risk factors).

    • A finger rectal examination (pro): The pro is an examination of the prostate gland, which is carried out by the doctor through the rectum.

  • Light cancer screening (for smokers and former smokers):

    • Low -dose computed tomography (NDC): NDCT is an X -ray study of lungs, which allows you to identify tumors at an early stage. It is recommended to carry out annually for people aged 50-80 years who smoke or smoke in the past, with smoking experience of at least 20 patchko.

  • Screening of skin cancer:

    • Regular skin examination: It is recommended to regularly inspect the skin for new or changing moles, spots or other anomalies.

    • Examination of the skin by a doctor: It is recommended to visit a dermatologist annually to examine the skin.

4. Screening for diabetes:

Type 2 diabetes often occurs asymptomatic in the early stages. Regular screening allows you to detect diabetes at an early stage and begin treatment, preventing the development of complications, such as cardiovascular diseases, renal failure, blindness and amputation of the limbs.

  • Blood test for glucose on an empty stomach: A blood test for glucose on an empty stomach allows you to determine the level of glucose in the blood after 8-12 hours of starvation. The normal level of glucose on an empty stomach is less than 100 mg/DL.

  • Glucose tolerance test (TSH): TSH is a test that allows you to evaluate the body’s ability to absorb glucose. The test is carried out after taking a certain amount of glucose.

  • Blood test for glycated hemoglobin (HBA1C): HBA1C is an indicator that reflects the average level of blood glucose over the past 2-3 months.

5. Screening for osteoporosis:

Osteoporosis is a disease that is characterized by a decrease in bone density and an increased risk of fractures. The risk of osteoporosis is increased with age, especially in women after menopause.

  • Densitometry (DXA scan): Densitometry is an X -ray study that allows you to measure the density of bone tissue. It is recommended that women aged 65 years and older, as well as women in postmenopause with risk factors of osteoporosis. Men are recommended to carry out densitometry at the age of 70 and older.

6. Screening for eye diseases:

With age, the risk of developing eye diseases, such as cataracts, glaucoma and age -related macular degeneration (VMD), increases. Regular screening allows you to identify these diseases at an early stage and begin treatment that prevents vision loss.

  • Eye view (ophthalmoscopy): Inspection of the eye bottom allows you to assess the condition of the retina, optic nerve and blood vessels of the eye.

  • Measurement of intraocular pressure (tonometry): The measurement of intraocular pressure allows you to identify glaucoma.

  • Testing visual acuity: Checking visual acuity allows you to identify visual impairment, such as myopia, farsightedness and astigmatism.

  • Optical coherent tomography (OKT): OCT is a retinal visualization method, which allows you to identify the EMD and other retinal diseases.

7. Screening for thyroid diseases:

Diseases of the thyroid gland can affect many functions of the body, including metabolism, energy and mood.

  • Blood test for TSH (thyroidropic hormone): TSH is a hormone that is produced by the pituitary gland and regulates the function of the thyroid gland. An increased or reduced level of TSH can be a sign of thyroid disease.

8. Vaccination:

Vaccination is an effective way to protect against infectious diseases. After 50 years, it is especially important to get the following vaccines:

  • Influenza vaccine: It is recommended to carry out annually.

  • Vaccine against pneumococcal infection: It is recommended to carry out once or repeatedly, depending on the type of vaccine and individual risk factors.

  • Vaccine against girdle herpes (Zoster): It is recommended to carry out once.

  • Vaccine against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (TDAP): It is recommended to carry out once, followed by revaccination against tetanus and diphtheria (TD) every 10 years.

9. Evaluation of cognitive functions:

With age, the risk of developing cognitive disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, increases.

  • Mini-research of mental status (MMSE): MMSE is a brief test that allows you to evaluate cognitive functions, such as memory, attention, speech and orientation.

  • Watch drawing test: A watch drawing test is a simple test that can help identify cognitive impairment.

10. Assessment of mental health:

After 50 years, various psychological problems can occur, such as depression, anxiety and stress.

  • Depression screening: It is recommended to carry out regular screening for depression using questionnaires, such as the Bek depression scale.

Preparation for examinations:

  • Sign up for an appointment with a doctor: Sign up for an appointment with a doctor in advance to discuss the necessary examinations and get directions.

  • Gather information: Prepare a list of drugs you take, as well as information about your family history.

  • Ask about the preparation: Find out from the doctor how to prepare for each examination. Some examinations require starvation or special diet.

  • Come on time: Come for examinations on time so as not to detain other patients.

  • Ask questions: Feel free to ask a doctor if you have any doubts or fears.

The frequency of examinations:

The frequency of examinations depends on individual risk factors, such as age, gender, family history and lifestyle. Discuss with the doctor the optimal examination plan for you.

The importance of a healthy lifestyle:

Regular examinations are an important part of maintaining health after 50 years, but they do not replace a healthy lifestyle.

  • Proper nutrition: Eat a healthy and balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grain products and low -fat sources of protein.

  • Regular physical activity: Do physical exercises for at least 150 minutes a week.

  • Refusal of smoking: Smoking is the main risk factor for many diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disease and COPD.

  • Moderate alcohol consumption: Use alcohol in moderate quantities, if you use at all.

  • Sufficient sleep: Sleep at least 7-8 hours a day.

  • Stress management: Learn to manage stress using methods such as yoga, meditation or tai-chi.

Regular examinations and a healthy lifestyle are the key to maintaining health and active longevity after 50 years. Do not neglect your health, and you can enjoy life in full.

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