Medical tests you need to take after you hit 30
Our 30s bring a flurry of responsibilities, overpowering self-care. But here's a cool hack: preventive medical tests. Think of them as early-warning systems that spot potential problems before they make you feel sick. By catching issues early, you can start treatment sooner and prevent further complications. Here are a few tests you should consider undergoing after you hit 30.
Here's what our expert says
With every passing decade, the physiology of our body changes due to aging. Thirties is a decade where the population is primarily healthy but early changes in health can be identified by carefully planned health check-ups. One should opt for preventive health checks to address any health concerns in their earliest stages with diet and lifestyle modifications.
Blood sugar test
Want to check for diabetes? Undergo a blood sugar test after fasting for 12 hours. A reading below 99 is normal, between 100 and 110 suggests pre-diabetes, and above 110 indicates diabetes. If you have pre-diabetes or diabetes, another test called HbA1C shows your average blood sugar levels for the past 3 months. If your reading is normal, it's recommended to get tested yearly.
Lipid profile test
If you want to know about your heart health, get a lipid profile test. It checks your cholesterol levels, including total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, and LDL. Ideally, your LDL and triglycerides should be below 130, while HDL should be above 60. If everything looks good, testing every two years is enough. Consider having a look at these foods to lower cholesterol in your body.
Urine analysis test
This test checks for levels of proteins, sugar, and blood in your urine sample to verify kidney-related problems. It is necessary especially if you are a smoker with a high risk for bladder cancer. If your results are normal, it is good news. Just be sure to schedule another test next year to stay on top of your health and wellness.
Complete blood count
Complete Blood Count (CBC) test helps diagnose anemia, infections, and certain types of cancer. For women, it is extra important because they often have iron deficiency anemia and might need supplements. Here's why you should take iron supplements. If your CBC results are good, you can do the test once a year to stay on track with your health.
Blood pressure test
Various factors, such as work stress, diet, and personal issues, can impact your blood pressure. In a relaxed state, the ideal blood pressure is 120/80. It fluctuates throughout the day and across different life stages. It is wise to consult your doctor to determine if your current blood pressure reading is normal. If not, regular blood pressure checks and medication may be required.
