As we get older, looking after our health becomes increasingly important. While you may feel perfectly well, some health conditions can develop without obvious symptoms. Regular health checks can help identify potential problems early, giving you the opportunity to make positive changes and seek appropriate medical advice.
A health check isn’t about looking for something to worry about. Instead, it’s an opportunity to understand more about your current health, identify potential risk factors and make informed decisions about your wellbeing.
The checks you need will depend on your age, medical history, lifestyle and individual risk factors. However, there are several important areas of health that are worth keeping an eye on as you get older.
1. Blood pressure
High blood pressure is one of the most common health conditions in adults, but it often has no noticeable symptoms. Over time, uncontrolled high blood pressure can increase the risk of serious conditions including heart disease and stroke.
Having your blood pressure checked is quick and straightforward. If your reading is higher than recommended, your GP or healthcare professional can advise you on what to do next.
Regular blood pressure checks become particularly important as you get older or if you have other risk factors such as being overweight, smoking, having a family history of high blood pressure or having certain existing health conditions.
2. Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a fatty substance that your body needs to work properly. However, having too much cholesterol in your blood can increase your risk of cardiovascular disease.
High cholesterol usually doesn’t cause symptoms, meaning that you may not know you have it without a blood test.
A cholesterol test can help give you a clearer picture of your cardiovascular health. Your healthcare professional can consider your cholesterol alongside other factors, including your age, blood pressure, lifestyle and family history, when assessing your overall risk.
3. Blood sugar and diabetes
Type 2 diabetes becomes more common with age and can develop gradually. Some people may have high blood sugar for a considerable period without experiencing obvious symptoms.
A blood test can help assess your blood sugar levels and identify whether further investigation may be appropriate.
Your risk of developing type 2 diabetes can be influenced by factors including your age, weight, family history and lifestyle. If you are concerned about your risk, speak to a healthcare professional about whether diabetes screening is appropriate for you.
4. Heart health
Your cardiovascular health deserves particular attention as you get older.
Heart health assessments can look at several different factors, including blood pressure, pulse, weight, lifestyle and family history. Depending on your circumstances, further investigations may also be recommended.
For example, Midland Health’s Healthy Heart Check can include a consultation with a Consultant Cardiologist, heart and peripheral pulse examination, blood pressure and pulse checks, BMI assessment, urine analysis and cardiovascular risk assessment.
If you have symptoms such as chest pain, unexplained breathlessness or palpitations, you should urgent medical advice rather than waiting for a routine health check.
5. Kidney health
Your kidneys play an important role in removing waste from your blood and maintaining the balance of fluids and minerals within your body.
Kidney problems can sometimes develop without obvious symptoms, particularly in their early stages. Blood and urine tests can provide useful information about kidney function and may be recommended depending on your age, medical history and risk factors.
People with conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes may require particular attention to their kidney health, as these conditions can increase the risk of kidney disease.
6. Liver health
Your liver performs hundreds of important functions, including processing nutrients, helping to remove waste products and metabolising medicines.
Liver function can be assessed through blood tests, which may be recommended if you have symptoms, certain risk factors or a relevant medical history.
Alcohol consumption, being overweight and certain medications or medical conditions can all affect liver health. Discussing your lifestyle and medical history with a healthcare professional can help determine whether liver function testing would be appropriate for you.
7. Eye health
Changes in your eyesight can happen gradually as you age, and you may not always notice them immediately.
Regular eye examinations aren’t just about whether you need glasses. An optometrist can also identify signs of certain eye conditions and, in some cases, indications of other health problems.
If you notice changes to your vision, blurred vision, flashes, floaters or other unusual symptoms, don’t wait for your next routine eye examination. Seek professional advice.
8. Hearing
Hearing loss is another change that can develop gradually. You might find yourself turning the television up, asking people to repeat themselves or struggling to follow conversations in noisy environments.
It can be easy to put these changes down to getting older, but hearing difficulties are worth discussing with a healthcare professional.
A hearing assessment can determine whether you have hearing loss and, if so, provide a clearer understanding of its severity and potential causes.
9. Bone and muscle health
Maintaining strong bones and muscles becomes increasingly important as we age.
Muscle strength can naturally decline over time, while bone density can also decrease. This can increase the risk of falls and fractures, particularly in later life.
Your healthcare professional can discuss your individual risk factors and whether you would benefit from further assessment. Staying physically active, eating a balanced diet and ensuring you get appropriate amounts of calcium and vitamin D can also support healthy bones and muscles.
10. Cancer screening
Cancer screening can help identify certain cancers or changes that could potentially develop into cancer before symptoms appear.
In the UK, there are established NHS screening programmes for conditions including bowel, breast and cervical cancer. There are also other screening or diagnostic tests that may be appropriate depending on your age, sex, family history and individual risk.
It’s important to understand that not every screening test is suitable for everyone. If you’re considering additional tests outside established screening programmes, discuss the benefits, limitations and potential risks with a qualified healthcare professional.
Why are regular health checks important?
One of the biggest benefits of regular health checks is that they can give you a clearer understanding of your health before a problem becomes more serious.
The NHS Health Check is available to eligible adults aged 40 to 74 who do not already have certain specified health conditions. It is generally offered every five years and assesses factors including blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes risk, alongside lifestyle factors.
However, a standard health check isn’t necessarily the right assessment for everyone. Your healthcare needs change throughout your life, and additional checks may be appropriate depending on your circumstances.
For example, Midland Health offers a range of private health assessments designed around different needs. These can include personal health measurements, blood tests, cardiovascular risk assessment, thyroid health, liver and kidney health, nutritional health and other assessments depending on the package selected.
When should you have a health check?
There isn’t one specific age at which everyone should start having comprehensive private health checks.
Instead, it’s worth considering your overall health, family history, lifestyle and any symptoms or concerns you may have.
You should also speak to your GP or another qualified healthcare professional if you develop new or persistent symptoms. A health check should complement, rather than replace, appropriate medical care when you are unwell.
Take a proactive approach to your health
Getting older doesn’t mean that health problems are inevitable. Taking a proactive approach to your health can help you understand your individual risk factors and identify areas where small changes could make a meaningful difference.
Whether you’re approaching 40, entering your 50s or simply want a better understanding of your current health, a comprehensive health assessment can provide valuable insight into your wellbeing.
At Midland Health, our private health checks are designed to provide a detailed picture of your health, with a GP consultation, lifestyle guidance and healthcare advice tailored to your individual circumstances.
If you’re considering a health check, speak to the Midland Health team to discuss which assessment may be most appropriate for you.
