Men over 40 should get these 5 health screenings, says doctor

Turning 40 does not automatically mean the onset of health problems, but it is an important milestone for preventive care. Many conditions, including high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease, can develop silently without noticeable symptoms, making regular health screenings increasingly important.

Dr Bilal Thangal T M, medical lead at AI health screening centre NURA, said many men seek medical tests only after a family member experiences a health scare. He recalled the case of a healthy-looking 43-year-old man who underwent his first comprehensive health screening only after his younger brother required a heart stent.

According to the doctor, early screening can identify hidden health risks before they develop into serious illnesses.

1. Cardiovascular health

Heart disease develops gradually over the years due to factors such as poor diet, chronic stress and lack of physical activity. Dr Thangal said cardiovascular risk should be one of the first areas assessed after 40, as damage often progresses unnoticed.

2. Blood pressure

High blood pressure is often called a “silent killer” because it usually causes no obvious symptoms. The doctor noted that many men with significantly elevated readings still report feeling perfectly healthy, making routine blood pressure checks essential.

3. Blood sugar and cholesterol

The expert advised annual screening for fasting blood glucose, HbA1c and cholesterol levels, particularly for those with a family history of diabetes or increasing body weight. Elevated blood sugar and cholesterol rarely produce symptoms but significantly increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.

4. Liver health

Fatty liver disease is becoming increasingly common, even among people who consume little or no alcohol. According to Dr Thangal, weight gain and physical inactivity are now major contributors. The good news is that early-stage fatty liver disease is often reversible through weight loss, exercise and dietary changes.

5. Cancer screening

As men age, the risk of certain cancers rises. Dr Thangal recommended discussing age-appropriate cancer screening with a healthcare provider, including prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing and colorectal cancer screening, based on individual risk factors and family history.

The doctor stressed that turning 40 should not be viewed as a cause for alarm but as an opportunity to detect health problems early and take preventive measures before they become serious.