TOP-10 tests: what you need to do every year

To track the slightest pathologies in the body and start timely treatment, it is important to get tested every year, doctors say. After all, with age, our body wears out, and an unhealthy lifestyle only accelerates this process, which can lead to premature aging and the development of chronic diseases.

Most people tend to ignore the body's warning signs until they become a disease. Diabetes mellitus, sudden cardiac arrest, and cerebral strokes have become increasingly common in recent decades. What can you do for your body so that it's not too late?

Better early than never

In order to diagnose a disease in time and start treating it, it is important to undergo a preventive health checkup every year. Taking a few tests is the easiest thing you can do for your health.

This is especially true for people whose families have a history of heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and cancer.

The unreliable nature of human life has become even more apparent over the past few years: new viruses and diseases are emerging, and with them, a host of health problems. Only a healthy organism can cope with various environmental problems, scientists say.

Tests that will tell a lot

With age, the body's immunity and regenerative properties decline, so a person should regularly visit a doctor and undergo annual medical tests. By passing these tests, you can understand with precise accuracy what is happening in your body," writes the medical publication Healthline.

Bloodpressure monitoring: Healthy people who have no complaints about blood pressure are recommended to monitor their blood pressure twice a year. Ideally, blood pressure should be below 130/84 mm Hg.

A complete blood count will show if there is any anemia or blood disease. The level of leukocytes and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) will allow you to track the presence of an inflammatory process.

A general clinical urine test allows you to analyze the state of the genitourinary system, monitor the functioning of the kidneys, liver, possible inflammation or infection, and detect diabetes in time.

Blood sugar test. High blood sugar can lead to the development of diabetes. In the early stages, it is sometimes enough to adjust your diet and start leading a more active lifestyle to avoid developing the disease. This test is especially recommended for people with a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, and a family history to rule out diabetes.

• A person is not diabetic if the value of glycated hemoglobin is below 5.7, prediabetic is considered to be up to 6.3, and diabetic is above 6.4.

Liver function test: it can be performed annually to rule out chronic liver disease and fatty hepatosis.

Thyroid function test (thyroid hormones): If you have symptoms of underactive thyroid gland, such as weight gain, hair loss, and irregular menstruation, you should have this test.

Lipid profile: This test is important, especially for people who are sedentary and those with a family history of heart disease. LDL cholesterol should ideally be below 100, and HDL cholesterol should be in the upper normal range.

Abdominal ultrasound: this can be done annually for people with a history of fatty liver or gallbladder/kidney polyps.

Screening for sexually transmitted infections: it should be done annually for those who are sexually active.

Modern medicine allows you to detect any manifestations of diseases in time, even at an early stage. The sooner you know about the characteristics of your body, the easier it will be to maintain health throughout your life.