Khaberni - Doctors warn that reaching the age of forty represents a health turning point that necessitates increased attention to periodic medical examinations, at a time when data indicates that men are more prone to most chronic diseases and cancers compared to women, while about two-thirds admit to delaying doctor visits for as long as possible, according to a survey conducted by "Cleveland Clinic" and reported by Fox News.
Specialists affirm that this hesitation in following up medically can deprive many of the chance for early disease detection, which could be managed or prevented from complications if diagnosed timely.
Prevention begins with examination
American cardiologist Jack Wolfson states that periodic examinations after forty are no longer a luxury, but a necessity to prevent heart attacks, strokes, metabolic disorders, chronic fatigue, hormonal decline, and early aging.
He adds, "A single message for every man after forty: test, do not guess. Early detection completely changes the health trajectory."
Meanwhile, other doctors emphasize the importance of differentiating between medically recommended examinations as part of routine care, and those discussed based on individual risk factors, in alignment with recommendations from entities like the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) and associations of cardiology and endocrinology.
Essential Exams
Among the most important exams recommended by doctors after forty, blood pressure measurement stands out as a basic procedure, given its association with heart, kidney, and brain diseases. The comprehensive blood analysis (CBC) is crucial for monitoring anemia, infections, and coagulation disorders, in addition to a comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) providing early indicators of liver and kidney issues, and disorders related to sugar and salts.
Heart health occupies a broad spectrum of recommendations, as doctors point to the significance of coronary artery calcium (CAC) scanning among those in the moderate risk category because it reveals deposit accumulation before symptoms appear. In some cases, advanced lipid analysis is advised, which provides a more precise picture of harmful cholesterol types compared to traditional analyses.
Some doctors believe that testing hs-CRP, a sensitive marker for inflammation, might help assess heart disease risks in specific groups, despite not being recommended as a routine comprehensive examination.
Men's health (iStock)
Men's health (iStock)
Sugar, hormones, and the thyroid
Also, after forty, monitoring blood sugar and insulin resistance indicators becomes increasingly important, especially for those with a family history or a sedentary lifestyle. Thyroid function testing is advised when symptoms such as unexplained fatigue, weight changes, or mood disorders appear.
Hormonal examinations, topped by testosterone, are typically conducted when clear symptoms like decreased sexual desire or severe fatigue are present, and are not recommended as general tests without a medical need.
In the field of cancer prevention, American recommendations highlight the importance of colorectal cancer screening starting from age 45 for men of moderate risk, with earlier testing if there is a family history. PSA testing for prostate is also suggested within the framework of "shared decision-making" between the doctor and the patient, considering its potential benefits and risks.
The report includes other examinations that may be beneficial based on lifestyle and health status, such as vitamin D, omega-3 index, and carotid artery ultrasound imaging in those with high stroke risk factors.
Doctors emphasize in their final recommendations that the goal is not to proliferate tests unnecessarily, but to build a personal exam plan that considers age, health history, and lifestyle. Experts agree that neglecting medical follow-up after forty can be costly, while early detection remains one of the strongest tools for prevention and long-term health protection.
