Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Aug 3: In today’s fast-paced world, health often takes a backseat until problems surface. But doctors warn that by the time symptoms appear, silent conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease may already have progressed. This is why regular preventive health check-ups are gaining importance—offering a chance to detect problems early and act before it’s too late.

A proper annual health screening offers a full picture of your well-being. It usually begins with a complete blood count to detect infections or anemia, followed by thyroid, liver, and kidney function tests. Sugar levels—both fasting and post-meal—along with HbA1c and cholesterol readings, are basic but crucial. Low levels of Vitamin D and B12 are also common, even in sunny regions, and should not be ignored. Iron levels, CRP, and ESR can help explain persistent fatigue or low energy.

For those in their 40s and 50s, doctors recommend adding cancer markers like PSA (for men), AFP, or CEA, especially if there's a family history. Chest X-rays and abdominal ultrasounds help reveal any internal issues that blood tests may miss.

When it comes to heart health, regular lipid profiles are not enough. Advanced markers like homocysteine, apolipoproteins, Hs-CRP, and lipoprotein(a) can reveal hidden cardiac risks. Alongside these, tests like ECG, 2D Echo, and the treadmill test (TMT) offer a better understanding of heart function. While a 2D Echo may be sufficient for young, healthy individuals, those with risk factors like diabetes, high blood pressure, or obesity are advised to undergo TMT as well.

Doctors suggest that healthy individuals can begin annual screenings at 30. However, those with lifestyle risk factors such as obesity, high cholesterol, or a family history of illness should consider starting even earlier, possibly in their early 20s. Many young adults feel invincible, but this is exactly when conditions start developing silently.

Health needs also vary by gender. For women, apart from iron and thyroid tests, hormone evaluations such as FSH, LH, and prolactin can help monitor fertility and menstrual health. Pap smears and mammograms, ideally after 40 or earlier if there’s a family history, are essential. After 50, both men and women are advised to undergo a DEXA scan to check for bone density loss.

Recognizing signs of heart disease is also key. Classic symptoms include chest pain lasting over 20 minutes, discomfort radiating to the arm or jaw, sudden sweating, or dizziness. However, not everyone experiences typical symptoms. In fact, many women and diabetics don’t report chest pain at all, but rather feel unwell, dizzy, or unusually tired.

Doctors stress that preventive check-ups are not just for the elderly. They are for anyone who wants to live healthier, longer, and better. Regular screenings can detect potential issues before they become serious, offering peace of mind and the chance to take timely action.

Getting a health check-up is like servicing your vehicle. You don’t wait for it to break down—you maintain it so it runs smoothly. Your body deserves the same care.