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Published on: May 17, 2022
2 minute read
By: Second Medic Expert

What Is Preventive Health Checkup?

A preventive health checkup is a visit to your doctor to screen for potential health problems. The goal is to catch any problems early when they're easier to treat. Screening tests vary depending on your age, sex, and medical history, but may include a physical exam, blood pressure check, cholesterol test, and screening for cancer and other diseases.

Preventive health screenings are important because they can help identify health risks before they become serious. Many health problems — including heart disease, stroke, cancer, and type 2 diabetes — can be prevented or at least detected early through regular screenings. If you have any questions about what screenings are right for you, talk to your doctor.

A preventive health checkup is a periodic health examination that is intended to identify early signs of disease and to prevent them from developing into more serious conditions. It usually includes tests for common medical conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.

It usually includes a review of the person's medical history, family history, and risk factors for specific diseases, such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, and diabetes. Additionally, it may include a physical examination and laboratory tests. A preventive health checkup is a periodic medical examination performed with the aim of early detection and prevention of diseases in asymptomatic individuals. It usually includes a review of family history, risk factors for common diseases, and recommended screenings based on age, sex, and other personal risk factors.

The doctor will typically check your blood pressure, heart rate, weight, and cholesterol levels, as well as ask about your family history of disease. They may also order other tests or screenings depending on your age and risk factors. It can also help you establish a relationship with a doctor who can help monitor your health over time. A preventive health checkup (preventive health assessment) is a physical examination and medical history review by a health professional that is designed to identify risk factors for preventable diseases and conditions. It also helps to assess the overall state of a person's health and well-being.

The purpose of a preventive health checkup is to detect early signs of disease, assess the risk for developing chronic diseases, and provide guidance on how to reduce this risk. The checkup may also include screenings for cancer, heart disease, stroke, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and other conditions. A preventive health checkup is a doctor's appointment during which you get a variety of tests to screen for illness or disease. Typically, a preventive health checkup includes a physical exam, lab tests, and other screenings. The purpose of a preventive health checkup is to identify any potential health problems before they become serious.

Preventive health care is important because it allows doctors to detect problems early on, when they're easier and less expensive to treat. Many chronic diseases — such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes — can be treated or managed more effectively if they're caught early. Additionally, early diagnosis often means that less severe treatment is required.

Typically, a preventive health checkup includes screenings for cancer, heart disease, and other chronic conditions, as well as physical examinations and laboratory tests. Many experts recommend that all adults have a preventive health checkup at least once every two years. However, people who are at risk for certain diseases or who have medical conditions may need to be screened more often.

The main goal of a preventive health checkup is to identify potential problems before they become serious and require expensive and invasive treatments. Preventive health checkups typically include a physical examination, lab tests, and/or imaging scans. They may also include lifestyle counseling to help people make healthy choices that can reduce their risk for disease. The purpose of a preventive health checkup is to identify any potential problems before they become serious and require expensive treatment.

During this exam, the doctor will measure your height, weight, and blood pressure; listen to your heart and lungs; examine your skin, hair, and nails; look in your eyes and ears; and palpate your abdomen. He or she may also order laboratory tests or other diagnostic procedures, such as X-rays or CT scans.

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Top 5 Blood Tests You Shouldn’t Skip After 40

As we grow older, our bodies go through many changes — some are visible, like graying hair or slower metabolism, but others happen quietly inside. After the age of 40, the risk of lifestyle-related diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, thyroid disorders, and kidney problems increases significantly. The good news? Most of these conditions can be detected early with simple blood tests.

Regular health checkups and blood tests can help you stay ahead of potential problems. They can alert you before symptoms even begin, giving you the chance to take control of your health in time.

In this blog, we’ll look at the Top 5 blood tests you shouldn’t skip after 40, why they’re important, and how you can easily get them done — even from the comfort of your home.

1. Complete Blood Count (CBC)

What is it?
The Complete Blood Count is a common blood test that checks the levels of different cells in your blood — red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

Why is it important after 40?

Detects anemia, which is common in both men and women over 40
Helps identify infections and inflammatory conditions
Can point toward more serious issues like blood cancer in rare cases

What it includes:

Hemoglobin
Hematocrit
White blood cell (WBC) count
Platelet count

How often to test:
Once a year, or as advised by your doctor.

2. Blood Sugar Tests – Fasting & HbA1c

What is it?
These tests measure the amount of glucose (sugar) in your blood. The fasting blood sugar test checks your sugar level after 8–10 hours of fasting, while the HbA1c test shows your average sugar level over the past 2-3 months.

Why is it important after 40?

Type 2 diabetes is very common in people above 40, especially in India
Early detection can prevent complications like nerve damage, eye problems, and kidney disease
Many people have prediabetes and don’t even know it

What it includes:

Fasting Blood Glucose (FBS)
Postprandial Blood Sugar (PPBS)
HbA1c

How often to test:
Every 6–12 months, or more often if you're overweight, have a family history, or symptoms of diabetes.

3. Lipid Profile (Cholesterol Test)

What is it?
A lipid profile checks the levels of different types of fats (lipids) in your blood — especially cholesterol and triglycerides.

Why is it important after 40?

Helps assess your risk of heart disease, stroke, and artery blockages
Detects high LDL ("bad cholesterol"), which builds up in arteries
Encourages healthy lifestyle changes before medications are needed

What it includes:

Total cholesterol
LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein)
HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein)
Triglycerides

How often to test:
Once a year, or every 6 months if you're overweight, smoke, or have a family history of heart issues.

4. Liver Function Test (LFT)

What is it?
This test checks how well your liver is working. The liver is responsible for digesting food, filtering toxins, and regulating many body processes.

Why is it important after 40?

Modern lifestyle increases the risk of fatty liver disease, even in non-drinkers
Long-term use of medications, alcohol, or unhealthy diets can silently damage the liver
Detects hepatitis, jaundice, and other liver issues early

What it includes:

SGPT (ALT), SGOT (AST)
Bilirubin
Alkaline Phosphatase
Albumin

How often to test:
Once a year or as recommended, especially if you drink alcohol, are overweight, or take regular medications.

5. Kidney Function Test (KFT)

What is it?
This test checks how well your kidneys are filtering waste and balancing fluids in your body.

Why is it important after 40?

Kidneys often get damaged silently due to high blood pressure, diabetes, or painkillers
Early detection can prevent serious kidney damage or the need for dialysis
Many Indians are at risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) without knowing it

What it includes:

Blood Urea
Serum Creatinine
Uric Acid
Electrolytes (Sodium, Potassium)
eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate)

How often to test:
Yearly, especially if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney problems.

Other Important Tests After 40

While the above 5 are essential, don’t ignore these additional tests:

Thyroid Function Test (TSH, T3, T4) – for energy, weight, and mood balance
Vitamin D & B12 – deficiencies are common in Indian adults
ECG or TMT – if you feel chest pain or breathlessness
Prostate Test (PSA) – for men over 45
Pap Smear & Mammogram – for women to detect cervical and breast cancer

How to Book These Tests Easily in India

Getting a blood test today is simple and stress-free. You don’t even need to visit a lab anymore.

At SecondMedic, you can:

Book blood tests online through our website
Get home sample collection by trained professionals
View your digital reports online within 24–48 hours
Consult our doctors based on your results

Conclusion

Turning 40 is a milestone — and a reminder that your health needs attention. Don’t wait for symptoms. These simple blood tests can alert you to hidden problems and help you take action before it’s too late.

Remember, good health starts with awareness. Be proactive, not reactive.

If you care about your long-term well-being, Top 5 Blood Tests You Shouldn’t Skip After 40 should be part of your annual health routine. Book them today on SecondMedic and stay a step ahead in your health journey.