An annual health check-up helps individuals monitor key health indicators, even when they feel well otherwise. Blood pressure, blood glucose, and cholesterol levels, among others, may vary without giving any obvious symptoms, and this is why preventive care continues to be essential for the health of individuals. ¹
There is one thing that is frequently overlooked. Not all tests need to be performed annually. The appropriate frequency depends on a person’s age, medical history, individual risk factors and the type of test. Lifecell’s Full Body Checkup packagecan combine several tests into a single health assessment. However, the choice of tests and how often they are needed should be according to the individual.
What Can Be Missed When a Health Check Is Delayed?
● High blood pressure can go undetected
Hypertension is often called a silent disease because many individuals suffering from hypertension do not have any identifiable signs of the disease. The US Preventive Services Task Force advises screening adults for high blood pressure and confirming high readings outside the clinical setting before treatment begins.
Delaying a health checkup might mean that an individual will not discover high blood pressure until it becomes chronic, which increases their risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, stroke, and kidney disease. ³ A health check-up provides an opportunity to measure blood pressure.
● Blood sugar changes can develop gradually
Changes in blood glucose levels can also occur without noticeable symptoms. The US Preventive Services Task Force states that it is recommended for the adults aged 35 to 70 years who are either overweight or obese undergo testing for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes.
Prediabetes can be identified through screening since lifestyle changes can help reduce the risk of progression to type 2 diabetes. Missing recommended screening can thus be detrimental in terms of identifying high blood glucose and managing the risk factors involved.
It does not imply that everyone needs to be tested for diabetes each year. This should be based on individual risk and past tests.
● Cholesterol levels can go unchecked
Having high cholesterol is another health factor that may go without having any obvious symptoms. A lipid profile measures cholesterol and triglyceride levels; it helps clinicians to assess the risks of developing heart disease.
It is clear why screening for cardiovascular risk factors is important, as factors such as hypertension, diabetes, smoking, and abnormal blood lipid levels can influence decisions about preventive strategies. The USPSTF considers cholesterol levels and other cardiovascular risk factors when deciding about the necessity of taking statins among adults with risk factors.
Thus, postponing a health checkup might result in overlooking a cardiovascular risk profile that can be managed through lifestyle changes or other treatment, if required.
● Screening schedules are different for different conditions
Cancer screening is another example of an area in which screening need not be performed every year. Mammography screening is suggested every two years for women aged 40 to 74 years, as recommended by the USPSTF. Colorectal cancer screening among average-risk adults aged 45 and above is recommended by the USPSTF. Cervical cancer screening also follows age- and test-specific intervals rather than an annual schedule.
These examples show why an annual health review should not be equated with annual screening tests
The Hidden Cost Is Not Always Financial
The effects of postponing the preventive checkup are not confined to possible future medical costs.
● Delayed recognition may result in delayed intervention
Depending on the finding, the next step may involve lifestyle changes, repeat testing, further investigation or treatment. The earlier the risk is discovered, the sooner intervention can take place.
According to the World Health Organization, early detection and proper management of the problem are among the key elements in coping with non-communicable diseases like heart disease, cancer and diabetes.
Delaying screening does not necessarily mean that a condition will worsen; however, it will delay the moment when one discovers a risk or a health problem.
● Preventive care can also support informed decisions
A health assessment also provides an opportunity to discuss family history, smoking habits, consumption of alcohol, physical activity, eating habits, and other determinants of health status in the long term. It has been suggested by the CDC that family health history should be discussed with healthcare providers.
This may be particularly important when there is a family history of conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease or cancer.
What Can an Annual Health Checkup Include?
The exact tests included during a health checkup depends on the package and the particular health needs of the individual concerned. Typical checkups may include measurements of blood pressure and blood tests for glucose, cholesterol, a full blood count, liver function, kidney function, or thyroid function.
On the other hand, more tests do not always mean better health. There is research that shows general health checks can lead to further diagnoses and tests, and these may not necessarily lead to an improvement in health.
This is why Lifecell’s Full Body Checkup package is meant to be just a starting point for understanding certain health indicators and should not replace personalised medical advice or consultation with a healthcare professional.
When Should Someone Consider a Health Check?
An annual health checkup can provide an opportunity to revisit preventive care needs, especially in cases where individuals have certain risk factors or have neglected to undergo screenings. Nonetheless, people should not wait until their next routine appointment if they develop new or concerning symptoms.
Also, for those who are in good health, the timing of screening tests varies significantly. For instance, the NHS invites adults aged 40-74 without certain conditions for an NHS Health Check every five years instead of every year.
Conclusion
Having anannual health checkup can also present an opportunity to examine any health risks and determine what screenings need to be done. For instance, certain diseases like hypertension, diabetes, and abnormal lipids do not have clear symptoms, so appropriate preventive screening can be important. 3,4
Delaying a routine health check could therefore mean missing an opportunity to identify certain risk factors or determine whether a recommended screening test is due. This can therefore increase the risk of disease progression and delay getting timely treatment.
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