3 blood tests everyone should have after age 40

A simple blood test can provide vital clues about your health. Experts warn that starting at age 40, it's crucial to get some basic blood tests done, even if you feel perfectly healthy and fit.

The adage "Prevention is better than cure" plays a key role in our 40s. From this point on, the risk of developing some asymptomatic chronic diseases begins to increase. Blood tests are the quickest and easiest way to diagnose these often silently developing diseases early.

Health authorities state that there are three basic indicators that should be checked as a priority for everyone over the age of 40.

1. Cholesterol (Lipid Profile)

At the top of the list is cholesterol, a key indicator of cardiovascular health. This test, called a lipid profile, measures the levels of fats in the blood: total cholesterol, HDL ("good" cholesterol), LDL ("bad" cholesterol), and triglycerides.

Health authorities recommend lipid profile testing starting at age 40 for men and age 50 (or menopause) for women, even if there are no risk factors.

May Be Needed Earlier: If there are risk factors such as a family history of cardiovascular disease, overweight, obesity, and hypertension, this profile needs to be done at a much earlier age.

2. Blood Sugar (Glucose)

The second important checkup for people in their forties is a blood sugar test. This test is often used to identify the risk of developing "hidden" type 2 diabetes.

Experts recommend that people aged 45 and older should be screened, especially if they have one of the following risk factors:

Excess weight

Sedentary lifestyle

High blood pressure (Hypertension)

Smoking

High cholesterol

As with cholesterol, diabetes often progresses without symptoms, so early diagnosis is vital to reduce the risk of serious complications.

3. Kidney function test

The third important checkup recommended after age 40 concerns kidney health. Kidney disease is also quite common and often remains silent until the late stages.

While this test isn't routinely recommended for anyone over 40, it's often recommended for patients in particularly high-risk groups. Hypertension and type 2 diabetes are major risk factors for kidney disease, and it's essential for these individuals to have their kidney function checked regularly.

Just these 3 tests are not enough

In addition to these three priority blood tests, experts also emphasize regular measurement of blood pressure after the age of 40.

Additionally, if the doctor deems it necessary, the following tests are often helpful:

Complete blood count (white and red blood cells)

Thyroid hormones (especially for women in menopause)

Levels of some critical vitamins such as D and B12

Each person's health and family history create different needs. Therefore, it's crucial to see your doctor at least once a year, even if you have no symptoms, and learn which preventative checkups are right for you.