Medical tests, as diagnosing tools, are really important to get early warning of unforeseen diseases and disorders. After all, there is no better way to assure yourself of being absolutely healthy and perfectly fit. To know about the top 10 medical tests, read on.
They say “prevention is better than cure” and it holds true in every aspect of life. It is always better to control a situation rather than wait to respond to it after it happens. Medical practitioners are of the opinion that putting yourself through a few tests at least once in 2-3 years and every year after you turn 50 is important and essential as well. With the kind of hectic lifestyle that we follow and the way we abuse our digestive system by eating all junk and that too irregularly, we expose ourselves to a number of problems. So, before the situation goes out of control, it is better we get it diagnosed and treated immediately.
Must Have Medical Tests
1. Hearing and Vision Test
Sight and hearing are the most important sensory organs of all five senses we possess. It is the age of computers and televisions, video games and consoles. These activities, if improperly indulged in, can affect the eyes to a greater extend. Therefore frequent vision screenings are essential. Children as well as adults are recommended to take eye examinations after regular intervals. This tests are also important for those who work in jobs that require acute vision.
Hearing loss is a very common and widespread disorder, therefore frequent checks to know that everything is right are important. A research showed 30% of the people above the age of 50 experience hearing loss which makes hearing screening once in every 4-5 years necessary.
2. HIV Test
We are well educated about the “human immunodeficiency virus” and the disease it causes; AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). Now, there is no treatment available to this disease. It gradually weakens your immune system and exposes it to the risk of having many dreaded diseases. It is transmitted when an infected blood comes in contact with open wound, unprotected sex or transmission of the virus from mother-to-child. So, in the first place avoid indulging in activities where you are exposed to the risk getting infected with this virus and secondly, get yourself tested every 2 years.
3. Stress Test
The hectic life we live and the way we push ourselves beyond capacity, we are exposed to the risk of having a weak heart. This test determines if your heart is functioning in the right manner. Cardiac stress test procedure involves monitoring the heart under various activities like jogging or walking on a treadmill or pedaling a stationary bicycle. Usually this test is to be taken after the age of 30 and more frequently after the age of 50.
4. Blood Pressure Check
High blood pressure is the most common of all disorders but, fortunately it is completely curable if diagnosed at an earlier stage. It is called the silent killer, now that is because the symptoms or causes are not all that dreadful. Hence, it becomes important to get your blood pressure checked, regularly, to know and curb the aggravation of underlying conditions further. Blood pressure screening is easy, in fact it can be done at home too, if you have the machine and know how to read the results.
5. Diabetes Risk Test
At the age of 45 and onwards, it is highly recommended to take this test. This test determines the blood glucose levels to detect if you have normal metabolism or prediabetes symptoms. Now, if there exists a family history of diabetes or if you are obese, then it is very important you get this test done, since you are more likely to fall prey to this disorder. If it is diagnosed at an early stage, it will help you take all the precautions necessary to not aggravate the situation.
6. Lipid Profile
Knowing your cholesterol levels help you detect the overall vascular health and determine the risk of coronary heart diseases. This test is directly deals with the condition of blood vessels and functioning of heart. Usually healthy adults are recommended lipid profile once in every 5 years. However, if the test results show high cholesterol levels, then follow-up tests are required to evaluate the success of lower cholesterol levels.
7. Cancer Test
Regular screening for cancer should begin in early forties or fifties. Now, screening needs to begin at an early age, if you have risk factors that are likely to cause cancer, like genetics, hormonal imbalance or unusual tumor growth. The earlier this condition is diagnosed the sooner the treatment can be started to ensure increased survival rate.
8. Mammogram
Mammogram is a test more to do with women than men. The risk of getting breast cancer increases between the age 45-60. The fact is 1 in 50 women is likely to develop this tragic disease. Early detection and treatment of the same will prevent the painful sufferings and boost your chances of recovery. Usually this test is done once in every two years.
9. Pap Smear
Cervical cancer is another dreaded disease and the chances of complete recovery from it are absolutely rare. However, if the signs of cervical cancer are spotted in its earliest stages, then the chances of curing it are high. Start the screening of this test after 30s, you may need a pap every 4 years and more frequent during late 40s and 50s.
10. Colonoscopy
Colonoscopy means an examination of the colon for any suspected growth of lesions. These lesions or polyps can be cancerous or non-cancerous. Colonoscopy can exactly detect such risk factors for colorectral cancer. Even for individuals without risk, the test should be taken in your late forties.
You see, being concerned about your health is your duty. You must find time and finances to get yourself enrolled for the common medical tests listed above and ensure that your body is working properly and efficiently.
