Shivmoga, 19 August (H.S.) :

By Dr Gopal D

Senior Consultant- General Medicine, MBBS, DNB (General Medicine), CCEBDM, FICM (Fellowship Intensive Care Medicine, Diabetes Care) is practising at Sahyadri Narayana Hospital Shivamogga

Let's be honest. The “annual health check-up” often sounds like another chore on our to-do lists, right? We're busy, we feel good, and sometimes the thought of going to a hospital to get poked and prodded just isn't appealing. But what if I told you that your yearly health check-up isn't just a routine appointment, but your secret weapon for a longer, healthier life?

As a general physician, I've seen first-hand how a simple annual exam can uncover potential health issues long before they become serious problems, when they're most treatable. It's not about waiting for something to go wrong; it's about being proactive and giving yourself the peace of mind that comes with knowing where you stand.

An annual health check list will include a series of tests including blood tests and screenings that help detect a host of conditions and deficiencies that can be treated according to their severity. If the results indicate good health, they can be very reassuring. Some of the tests that would be typically be asked for by your doctor are as follows:

1. Blood Pressure Check

Why it matters: High blood pressure (hypertension) is a silent killer and a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Low blood pressure (hypotension) can cause dizziness, syncope, mental fog and act as a pointer to other underlying conditions affecting the liver or kidney.

Frequency: Annually if normal; more frequently if elevated/ oscillating or on medication.

Who should screen: Everyone, especially those with a family history of cardiac problems and low BP.

2. Blood Sugar (Fasting/ HbA1c)

Why it matters: Detects diabetes or prediabetes early.

Who should screen: All adults above 35, earlier if overweight, family history, or PCOD.

Test: Fasting blood sugar, HbA1c.

3. Lipid Profile (Cholesterol Check)

Why it matters: High cholesterol increases the risk of heart disease.

Frequency: Once every one or two years; annually if there’s a history of heart disease or abnormal levels.

4. BMI and Waist Circumference

Why it matters: Helps assess obesity, which is linked to diabetes, BP, and joint issues.

Goal: Maintain a BMI between 18.5–24.9 and waist circumference under 90 cm (men) / 80 cm (women).

5. Liver and Kidney Function Tests

Why it matters: Early signs of liver/kidney dysfunction often go unnoticed.

Who should screen: People on medication, alcohol consumers, diabetics, or hypertensives.

6. Complete Blood Count (CBC)

Why it matters: Helps detect anaemia, infections, and other blood-related disorders.

7. Thyroid Function Test (TSH, T3, T4)

Who needs it: Women above 30, people with fatigue, weight changes, or family history of thyroid disorders.

8. ECG and Cardiac Risk Assessment

Why it matters: Picks up early signs of heart disease.

Who should screen: Men above 40, women above 45, or earlier with risk factors.

9. Cancer Screenings

Men: Prostate exam (after 50 or earlier if high risk); Colonoscopy (after 45–50)

Women: Pap smear & HPV (once every three- five years from age 25–65); Breast exam or mammogram (annually after 40)

Both: Oral exam, skin checks, stool occult blood tests

10. Vitamin D and B12 Levels

Why it matters: Deficiencies can cause fatigue, bone pain, mood issues.

Common in: Vegetarians, the elderly, indoor workers.

The annual health check-up is not for the sick; it is for all those who want to lead a healthy life. These tests can vary slightly depending on your age, gender, lifestyle, and medical history. Always consult your doctor to customise the list of tests for your check-up. Make it a habit and keep your health check appointment once every year, to give yourself the gift of good health.

Hindusthan Samachar / Rakesh Mahadevappa