Remain in tip-top condition with a regular health screening. Age increases your risk of serious health conditions like heart disease, stroke, diabetes, or kidney disease. A full-body health check will reduce this risk.
So, what is a health check?
This is a screening or blood test that’s done to examine your blood, and the functions of your liver, heart, and kidney, plus your general body condition. With this check, you can know if there’s any issue you should take care of.
Adults aged 40 to 74 years typically have health checks. But if you’re worried that you might develop a severe health problem, nothing stops you from scheduling a health appointment at any time.
Why should you get a health check?
From diagnosing any underlying health condition to getting advice on how to live healthily, the benefits of health checks include:
- It gives you the chance to have an honest conversation with your doctor about any health concerns you have
- It can help you avoid serious health issues like stroke and heart disease
- You can get advice on any lifestyle changes you should make like quitting smoking or being on a special diet plan
- You’ll get to know if you’ve got any risk factors for chronic health conditions
- Early signs of diseases can be identified
Should your health check show that you have issues, talk to a GP near me about the medications you need.
Private health checks
As you get older, it’s key to have a private health check every 3 to 5 years to maintain good health and prevent serious health issues and early death. The truth is, age causes narrowing of your arteries which in turn heightens the risk of severe health conditions like stroke and heart disease.
Benefits of private health check
- Scheduling a health check when it’s convenient for you is possible
- Your current health status will be known
- Any risk of kidney or heart disease and diabetes will be diagnosed
- You can get your health check from the comfort of your home
NHS health checks
You may qualify for an NHS health check. Should you be between 40 to 74 years, NHS health checks are available for you. It’ll reveal any early signs of a stroke, kidney disease, heart disease, and diabetes. Your level of risk will also be assessed with this check.
What NHS health checks involve
It’s a free health check that examines your general health and risks of developing serious health conditions. People between the ages of 40 and 74 who have no cases of diabetes, kidney or heart disease are eligible for this check.
How do you get NHS health check? Your registered GP will send you an invitation every 5 years, or your local health council will send you an invitation with instructions on where and when to get a health check. Consult your GP for more help and information on NHS health checks.
Health check for heart disease
Heart disease or cardiovascular disease is a range of heart conditions that affect the heart, such as blood vessel disease, coronary heart disease, arrhythmias, and more. Different factors can cause heart disease, including obesity, diabetes, smoking, drug abuse, stress, high blood pressure, etc.
Risk factors of heart disease include a poor diet, family history, age, gender, high blood cholesterol, etc. Symptoms of heart disease may range from chest pain, palpitations, breathlessness, amongst others.
A heart check will detect any risk of developing heart disease via ECG, a CT scan, or other medical procedures. Your doctor will work with you to prevent and treat this disease.
Health check for kidney disease
When wastes and toxins cannot leave your kidney, it becomes a problem. A healthy kidney will remove excess water from the body, control blood acidity, and keep your blood clean. One can develop acute or chronic kidney disease. They are peculiar and share some similar symptoms like fatigue.
Kidney disease can be caused by sepsis, kidney injury, etc. The risk factors include kidney stones and diabetes, amongst others. A kidney health check every 5 years is good. Consult your doctor for more information.
Health check for diabetes
The inability of the pancreas to produce enough insulin to convert blood glucose increases blood sugar levels, leading to diabetes. There are type 1 and type 2 diabetes, with the former being more severe. Diabetes is common in older people and is linked to obesity. Both types have peculiar and similar symptoms like excessive thirst and have different causes. A health check for this condition involves a blood test. Your doctor will advise you on how to prevent diabetes.
Health check for stroke
A private GP in London can help you check if you’re at risk of having a stroke, your cholesterol levels, and how to avoid a stroke.
Stroke happens when blood doesn’t flow to a part of the brain. Bleeding in the brain is also another cause. Slurred speech and inability to talk among others are the signs of a stroke. There are two main causes of stroke, and you may be at risk if your cholesterol level is high, you’re more than 55 years, etc. Risks include smoking, obesity, too much drinking, and more. Your GP will do a health check and help you prevent stroke.
Conclusion
From the results of your health check, your doctor will help you maintain and improve your health, including making lifestyle changes that will help. For your blood tests in London, don’t hesitate to contact Private Blood Tests London Clinic on 020 71830244.
