Navigating Health

Archive for February 26th, 2010

There are a number of relatively simple interventions that can pick up potential medical problems before any symptoms or complications have developed. These are usually very simple tests that can be done or organized by your doctor. The number of these screening tests is gradually increasing. Many developed countries have national screening programmers for various types of cancer-breast cancer, cervical cancer prostate cancer and colorectal cancer-while other vital checks monitor your hearing, sight, teeth, blood pressure and blood cholesterol.

Doctors now have a whole armory of screening tests at their disposal to optimize their patient’s health and to pick up any health problems as early as possible. Blood pressure rises gradually with age and this small increase is normal. Some people are more likely to develop high blood pressure as it may run in their family. High blood pressure increases the risk of several serious conditions but has no symptoms, which is why doctors often check your blood pressure as a matter of course. It is important that high blood pressure is picked up because most of the complications of this condition can be prevented by taking appropriate measures. This may involve lifestyle changes and or taking regular medication.

It is recommend that you have your blood pressure checked on a regular basis, and ideally it should be checked by your doctor at least every two or three years form the age of 40 onwards. High levels of cholesterol have been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease in general. A blood test measures cholesterol and other blood fats what doctors refer to as your lipid profile. Research has established healthy and at risk levels of blood cholesterol, but your age, blood pressure and whether or not you smoke must be taken into account.