Medical Tests Every Man Should Get

If you detect symptoms of existing health conditions early, you can treat them more easily. It is critical to get all your doctor-recommended health care check-ups in proper time in order to lead a healthy life. Here is a list of some important health examinations for men along with the appropriate time for each-

• Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm – If a man has ever smoked tobacco in his lifetime, he should go in for an abdominal aortic aneurysm screening between the age of 65-75. The presence, extent and size of such an aneurysm can be determined by imaging tests such as computed tomography(CT) scan, ultrasound or magnetic resource imaging (MRI) study.
• Blood Cholesterol – Men above the age of 35 should have their blood cholesterol levels checked regularly. Heart disease risk is increased considerably if the man in concern uses tobacco, is overweight/obese, has a relative who has had a heart attack before 50, has diabetes, high blood pressure or even a family history of heart disease. These individuals should consider going in for a screening much earlier, in their 20s.
• Blood Pressure – No matter whether you possess other cardiovascular risk factors or not, you should go get your blood pressure checked regularly. A high BP puts you at maximum risk for developing a heart disease and other major health complaints and should not be ignored under any circumstances.
• Colon Cancer – It is recommended for all men to be screened for colorectal (colon/rectal) cancer within the age of 50. If colorectal cancer runs in the family, a person should have a colonoscopy even sooner. There are many tests that can detect colon cancer, but colonoscopy is still the most effective of the lot.
• Depression – Mental health is important and should not be sidetracked. Most men suffer from depression, i.e., either under-diagnosed or under-treated. You should see a doctor if you've experienced the following symptoms for more than two weeks – Shift in appetite or sleeping pattern, lack of interest in formerly enjoyable activities, feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness and irritability, a drop in energy or motivation, excessive guilt for no reason and problem concentrating or focusing. Seek immediate help if you have had recurring thoughts of suicide or death.
• Diabetes – Persistent thirst, frequent urination, severe weight loss, increased appetite and a tingling sensation in the hands or feet are symptoms of diabetes. If you've been experienced any of the above, it is a good idea to get tested. Also, if you have high blood pressure or are under medication for high blood pressure – you are at risk for diabetes. A blood test measuring your average blood sugar level over the past three months is used to assess diabetes in a patient.
• Hepatitis C – Any man born between 1945-1965, or born to a mother with the Hep C virus, or having needed dialysis for kidney failure, or having undergone blood transfusion before 1992 or received blood clotting before 1987 or ever having injected a drug should get a blood test for Hepatitis C.

HIV, Obesity and Prostate Cancer are other common health risks that a man should get tested for.

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