According to the latest reports by The Global Economy, average life expectancy in Pakistan is 58.5 years. These estimates point out that after 50, an average Pakistani is likely to enter the last decade of his/her life. The age of 50 is thus an important part of life. It is the time when one needs to be the most careful about their health.
A lot of medical conditions arise after the age of 50. According to Cancer Research UK, almost 9 out of 10 people with cancer are above the age of 50. It is thus necessary to make sure about certain health issues once you reach the age of 50. In this article, we are listing down five medical tests that you should get after 50.
- Blood Pressure
Blood pressure refers to the pressure that blood exerts on the walls of arteries while flowing through them. The arteries are flexible and adjust according to the flow of the blood so that it runs smoothly from the heart to the other parts of the body. Thus, blood pressure is the main indicator of cardiovascular disease.
As a person ages, the arteries lose their flexibility because of all the plaque that keeps stacking up during the years. As a result, the heart has to pump harder and the blood pressure goes up. According to a National Survey, 33% of people above the age of 45 suffer from high blood pressure in Pakistan. If the blood pressure becomes very high, it can lead to a heart attack. It is thus necessary to get your blood pressure checked frequently once you turn fifty.
- EKG
Electrocardiogram or EKG is the fastest way to learn about the performance of the heart. In this test, the doctor attaches some small electrodes to the chest area. These electrodes detect the beats of the heart and convert them in a sinusoidal wave on a screen. The wave turns out to be a perfect sinusoid if the heart is functioning properly.
If the wave has some disruptions, then it means that the heartbeat is arrhythmic pointing towards heart disease. People over the age of fifty are more likely to get heart diseases. Thus, it is important to get an EKG every year once you turn 50.
- Blood Glucose Level
A simple blood test taken by a lab technician can tell you about the level of glucose in your blood. Diabetes risk is also high after the age of forty and thus you should keep a check on your blood sugar levels after a certain age.
Diabetes if not controlled can be deadly and can result in other complicated problems like diabetic foot and a heart attack. If you already have a diabetes diagnosis, you should check your blood sugar level every day. If you are not diabetic, still you should check your blood sugar levels at least once a month after the age of 50.
- Cholesterol Levels
Cholesterol is essential for a healthy living but too much of it can be damaging. After 50, the physical activity is likely to go down ultimately leading to high cholesterol levels. The regular amount of cholesterol level is 200 milliliters per deciliter of blood. Anything above this mark is dangerous for your heart and kidneys. You should thus get the lipid screening test every once in a while, after the age of fifty.
- TSH Test
The TSH test is performed to check the activity of the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland not only maintains the body’s temperature, but it also plays a big role in controlling the metabolism. Thyroid gland problems can start anytime but the risk is specifically high for older people. It is thus important to get your thyroid tested after every six months.
Aging is a natural phenomenon but you do not have to be miserable during this transition in your life. All of the above-mentioned tests are necessary to help you keep on track about your physical health. You should, however, always consult a doctor before going in for any medical tests.
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This article was produced in partnership with oladoc.com, a digital health company in Pakistan. Using oladoc, you can find the best medical specialist in Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad and book an appointment online.
