What Annual Tests Should I Be Booking to Stay on Top of My Health?

Your health should remain a top priority, and the best way to maintain your health is by scheduling regular annual tests. For women, certain tests can help detect potential health risks early so you can make an informed decision for your healthcare journey.

1. General Wellness Check

Some standard annual tests you should schedule includes:

• Cholesterol Test (Lipid Panel) – a simple blood test that can help your doctor determine your cardiovascular risk by assessing cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
• Blood Sugar Test (A1C) – The Hemoglobin A1C test measures the average blood sugar level over the past two to three months.The higher the percentage, the higher the average blood sugar level, indicating poorer glucose control. This can help screen for diabetes or prediabetes.
• Thyroid Panel – Thyroid conditions are more common and women and should be checked. This specific thyroid panel tests Free T4, Free T3, TSH, Thyroglobulin ab, Thyroperoxidase ab.
• Complete Blood Count (CBC) – Complete Blood Count (CBC) is a blood test which measures the number and types of cells in your blood. This helps doctors check on your overall health. The tests can also help to diagnose diseases and conditions such as anemia, infections, clotting problems, blood cancers, and immune system disorders.

2. Cervical Cancer Screening

• HPV Test – To screen for cervical cancer, it is recommended that women starting at the age of 21, should get an HPV test in addition to a Pap smear. Although this can be done every 3-5 years, it still should be on the list for a health check.

3. Mammogram

• Screening Mammogram – For preventive purposes, women between the ages of 40 – 49 should get a baseline mammogram at age 40 and discuss with their doctor how often they need mammogram screening. Women between the ages of 50 – 74 should get a mammogram every one to two years as they are at a greater risk.

4. Bone Density Test

• DEXA plays a crucial role in diagnosing and monitoring various conditions related to bone health, particularly osteoporosis, a common condition characterized by low bone density and an increased risk of fractures.Osteoporosis becomes a concern as women age. A bone density test is recommended starting at age 65, but younger women with risk factors for osteoporosis should consult a doctor about earlier testing.

5. Cardiac Screenings

In the United States, heart disease is the leading cause of death for both women and men. If you have a family history of heart disease then you are at an even greater risk. Some tests for common heart issues:

• Lipid panel: A blood test that can determine cardiovascular risk by assessing cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
• Coronary calcium scan: A specialized x-ray that can help detect Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), one of the most common causes of heart attack.
• Cardiac MRI: A non-invasive scan of your heart to diagnose failure or identify damage from a past heart attack.
• Coronary CT angiography: Computed tomography to identify abnormalities of the heart or diagnose CAD.

Conclusion

Prioritizing your health with annual screenings are vital. By staying proactive and scheduling these tests, you can detect potential issues early and manage them effectively. LabFinder understands the importance of proactive testing and gives patients the tools they need to take charge of their own health. Early detection is key, so talk to your doctor about what tests are right for you, or use MinuteMed to receive doctor’s oversight.