Sep 24, 2021 Health Tests For Everybody

Type of Test

Screening Type

When to Get It

Special Consideration

Blood Pressure

A health care professional places a cuff called a sphygmomanometer around your upper arm, inflates it to compress an artery, then slowly releases it while monitoring your pulse.

At least once a year after 40, but more often if your reading is higher than 120/80 or you have other risk factors such as being overweight or African American.

High blood pressure—a measurement of the force that blood exerts on arteries as your heart pumps—triggers no symptoms but greatly increases your risk of heart disease.

Lipid Profile

A blood test checks circulating levels of fatty substances such as cholesterol (total, LDL and HDL) and triglycerides.

Every four to six years, more often if your numbers are worrisome or you have other risk factors like a family history of heart disease.

High levels of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides boost your risk of heart disease, while HDL is protective.

Blood Glucose (Sugar)

A variety of blood tests assesses glucose levels; some require fasting. Your doctor can advise on which is most appropriate.

Routinely starting at 45; potentially earlier if you have risk factors like obesity, high blood pressure or high cholesterol.

Blood sugar levels reflect the presence or risk of diabetes, which can increase risk of heart disease, but elevated levels caught early can be reversed.

Bone Mass

Usually a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan, a type of low-dose X-ray. Low bone mass can indicate weak bones and risk of osteoporosis.

Screening is recommended for women 65 and older and women 50 to 64 who have risk factors including a parent who has broken a hip.

Osteoporosis is much more common in women. Exercise, a healthy diet and medications can reduce risks.

Sexually Transmitted Disease

Specific tests target a wide range of STDs, including HIV/AIDS, gonorrhea, chlamydia and syphilis. Vaccines against human papilloma virus (HPV) are recommended starting as early as 9; consult a doctor over age 26.

Tests for many STDs are recommended at least annually for anyone who is sexually active. Your doctor can advise based on your sexual habits and history.

It’s important to share STD test results with partners. The most reliable way to decrease risks is to reduce the number of sex partners such as in a mutually monogamous relationship.

Breast Cancer

Mammogram.

Women ages 40 to 45 have the choice to start annual screenings; women age 45 to 54 should have mammograms every year; women 55 and older can switch to every other year.

Women at high risk should have a mammogram every year beginning at age 30. This includes women who have a specific gene mutation (BRCA1 or BRCA2) or who have had radiation to the chest between ages 13 and 30.

Cervical Cancer

For women, a Pap test every three years and/or an HPV test every five years.

Regular screening for women between ages 25 and 65.

Both males and females can get HPV-related cancers. The HPV vaccine, recommended for children between the ages of 9 and 12 and children and young adults age 13 through 16, can prevent HPV infection.

Colorectal Cancer

Stool-based test or visual exam.

For people of average risk, regular screening at age 45 through 75; after that, discuss with your doctor.

People at increased risk may need earlier screenings: those with a personal or family history of colorectal cancer, or a personal history of radiation to the abdomen or pelvic area.

Lung Cancer

Low-dose CT scan (LDCT).

For people ages 50 to 80 who currently smoke or have quit in the past 15 years; and who have at least a 20 pack-year smoking history.

Research has shown that LDCT scans for people at higher risk of lung cancer save more lives than X-ray screenings.

Prostate Cancer

A prostate-specific (PSA) blood test and/or a digital rectal exam.

Discuss with health care provider at age 50.

If you are African American or have a family history of prostate cancer, have the discussion starting at age 45.