The 40s are a crucial decade for identifying silent conditions that can be reversed or controlled with lifestyle changes. High blood pressure and diabetes often develop quietly during this phase.
Blood pressure should be checked at least once a year, as hypertension remains a leading cause of heart disease and stroke in Indians. Blood sugar testing, either fasting glucose or HbA1c, is advised every one to three years because Indians tend to develop diabetes earlier and at lower body weight.
A lipid profile every three to five years helps assess cholesterol-related risk, with special attention to LDL cholesterol rather than total cholesterol alone. Annual monitoring of body weight and waist circumference is also important, as abdominal obesity significantly increases cardiometabolic risk.
An eye examination once in the early 40s can detect refractive errors and early glaucoma risk, while yearly dental check-ups help reduce the risk of gum disease, which is increasingly linked to heart disease and diabetes.
In Your 50s: Early Detection Saves Lives
The 50s are the most impactful decade for screening, particularly for heart disease, kidney problems and cancer. Annual checks for blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol become essential.
An ECG may be done once or earlier if symptoms or risk factors are present. Kidney function tests, including serum creatinine and urine albumin, should be performed every one to two years, as diabetes and hypertension can damage kidneys silently.
Cancer screening becomes critical. Colon cancer screening can be done through annual stool tests or a colonoscopy once between the ages of 50 and 60. Women should undergo regular mammography from their 40s and follow medical advice for cervical cancer screening using Pap smears.
For men, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing should not be routine for everyone and must be done only after discussing benefits and risks with a doctor. Bone health assessment, including vitamin D testing and bone density scans, may be advised for those with risk factors.
In Your 60s: Preserving Independence and Quality of Life
By the 60s, healthcare goals expand beyond disease detection to preventing disability and maintaining independence. Annual monitoring of blood pressure, glucose and lipids should continue.
Hearing tests are recommended at least once, as hearing loss has been linked to cognitive decline. Vision checks should be done every year, and bone density scans are especially important for women and those with a history of fractures.
Fall risk assessments, including balance and muscle strength evaluation, help prevent injuries. Screening for irregular heart rhythm such as atrial fibrillation is vital, as it is a major but preventable cause of stroke.
Tests for Select Individuals
Some advanced tests may benefit specific individuals after consulting a doctor. These include Apolipoprotein B, high-sensitivity CRP, Lipoprotein(a), homocysteine levels, and insulin resistance markers. Cardiac imaging like coronary calcium scoring should only be done in selected cases.
Tests Often Overused and Usually Unnecessary
Routine whole-body CT or MRI scans, tumour markers without symptoms, extensive vitamin panels, and annual stress tests in healthy, symptom-free individuals are often overused. More testing does not automatically translate to better health.