Preventive health is not about doing more tests; it is about doing the right tests at the right age. Many Indians either delay basic screening or undergo expensive 'full body check-ups' that add anxiety without improving outcomes. Here is a practical, age-wise guide to health checks that truly matter, based on solid medical evidence.
In your 40s: Build the foundation
This decade is about detecting silent risk factors early, when lifestyle changes can still reverse damage.
Must-do checks
Blood pressure: At least once a year
Hypertension is common, silent, and a leading cause of stroke and heart disease in Indians.
Fasting glucose / Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c): Every 1–3 years
Indians develop diabetes earlier and at lower body weight.
Lipid profile: Every 3–5 years (earlier if family history)
Focus on LDL cholesterol; 'normal total cholesterol' can be misleading.
Body weight & waist circumference: Annually
Abdominal obesity is a major cardiometabolic risk.
Eye examination: Once in the early 40s
Screens for refractive errors and glaucoma risk.
Dental check-up: Yearly
Poor oral health is linked to heart disease and diabetes.
Here are some lifestyle checks that matter:
- Sleep quality
- Physical activity levels
- Tobacco and alcohol use
These predict future diseases better than many lab tests.
In your 50s: Detect disease early
This is the decade where screening saves lives, especially for cancer and heart disease.
Must-do checks
Blood pressure, sugar, lipids: Annually
ECG: Once, or earlier if symptoms/risk factors
Kidney function (creatinine, urine albumin): Every 1–2 years
Diabetes and hypertension often damage kidneys silently.
Eye exam: Every 1–2 years
Cancer screening
Colon cancer:
Stool test every year or
Colonoscopy once between 50–60
Breast cancer (women):
Mammography every 1–2 years from 40
Cervical cancer (women):
Pap smear test as advised
Prostate cancer (men):
PSA testing only after discussion; not routine for everyone
Bone health
Vitamin D (once): If at risk
Bone density test: If risk factors or early menopause
In your 60s: Preserve independence
The focus now shifts from detection alone to preventing disability, falls, and cognitive decline.
Must-do checks
Blood pressure, glucose, lipids: Continue annually
Hearing test: Once
Hearing loss is linked to cognitive decline.
Vision check: Annually
Bone density scan: Especially for women and those with fractures
Fall risk assessment: Gait, balance, muscle strength
Brain and heart
Memory screening: If any concern (not routine for all)
Atrial fibrillation screening: Pulse check, ECG/Holter if irregular
Atrial Fibrillation is a major, preventable cause of stroke.
Vaccinations
-Influenza (yearly)
-Pneumococcal
-Shingles
Vaccines reduce hospitalisation and complications significantly.
Tests that may be useful for some (Please discuss with your family doctor)
Insulin and HOMA-IR
Detect insulin resistance, which is often present before one develops prediabetes or diabetes
Apolipoprotein B (ApoB) and high sensitivity CRP (hsCRP)
Elevated levels could be better predictors of heart attack risk in some people, as compared to LDL cholesterol
Serum Homocysteine
Elevated levels could contribute to increased risk of heart attack and stroke
Lipoprotein a
Elevated levels suggest an increased inherited risk of cardiovascular disease
CAC score and CT coronary angiogram (in selected cases after consulting cardiologist)
Here are some tests that are often overused (and usually not needed)
- Routine whole-body CT/MRI scans
- Tumor markers without symptoms
- Extensive vitamin panels
- Annual stress tests in asymptomatic individuals
More tests do not mean better health. Preventive care is age-specific, not one-size-fits-all. Focus on blood pressure, sugar, cholesterol, cancer screening, vision, hearing, and bone health. Lifestyle habits often matter more than lab numbers
Discuss screening with a doctor who understands your risk profile, not just your age. Good screening prevents disease. Smart screening prevents harm.
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of THE WEEK.
