Which items should not be ignored in the annual physical examination?

   Physical examination is the most direct and effective way for us to understand our own health status. Modern people work at a fast pace and have great pressure in life. Diseases are becoming younger and more hidden. Many serious diseases have no obvious symptoms in the early stage, and it is too late once they are discovered.

Therefore, a comprehensive physical examination once a year is particularly important. However, facing dozens of examinations on the physical examination form, many people are often confused: Which items must be done?

Which can be adjusted according to age and gender? Today, we will sort out the core items that "cannot be ignored" in the annual physical examination for you, so that your health management can be targeted!

1. Routine examination: the "fundamentals" of health

This type of examination is like the basic maintenance of a vehicle. Although it is basic, it is extremely critical.

Blood pressure measurement: Hypertension is one of the most common chronic diseases, but many people are not sensitive to it. No symptoms does not mean no risk. Hypertension may cause serious consequences such as stroke and myocardial infarction.

Height, weight and BMI index: Obesity is not only about appearance, but also a hotbed for diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and fatty liver.

Vision and hearing tests: Especially for office workers who use electronic devices for a long time, changes in vision cannot be ignored.

Recommended groups: All ages should do it, and basic tests cannot be skipped.

2. Blood test: Insight into the secrets of the "internal system"

Blood test can be said to be the most informative item in the physical examination. A few drops of blood can reveal a lot of data about your body's operation.

Routine blood test: Testing red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, etc., helps to detect anemia, infection, and blood system diseases.

Liver function test (ALT, AST, etc.): Early detection of fatty liver, hepatitis, and alcoholic liver damage.

Renal function test (creatinine, urea nitrogen, etc.): Determine the detoxification ability of the kidneys, especially for those with hypertension and diabetes.

Four blood lipids (cholesterol, triglycerides, etc.): High-risk indicators of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, especially after the age of 30.

Fasting blood sugar/glycosylated hemoglobin: Screening for diabetes, long-term socializing and sweets lovers should pay special attention.

Special reminder: Fasting blood sugar may be "normal", but glycosylated hemoglobin can detect your blood sugar fluctuations in the past 3 months, which is a more stable reference value.

3. Tumor screening: early detection, late risk doubles

Many people are deterred from "tumor screening" and feel that it is "unnecessary" and "they have no symptoms". But the fact is that most cancers are "silent" in the early stages.

Male focus:

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA): Screening for prostate cancer, it is recommended that men over 50 years old pay special attention.

Colonoscopy: It is recommended that men over 45 years old have regular examinations, and those with a family history should do it in advance.

Female focus:

Cervical smear (TCT) + HPV test: It is recommended to be done once a year to detect cervical cancer in advance.

Breast color Doppler ultrasound or molybdenum target: Breast cancer is showing a trend of younger age, especially those with a family history are recommended to check every year.

Uterine and ovarian color Doppler ultrasound: Screening for common diseases such as uterine fibroids and ovarian cysts.

Recommended population: People over 40 years old or those with a family history should include tumor screening in the annual physical examination focus.

4. Cardiovascular examination: Silent killers should not be ignored

Electrocardiogram (ECG): It can preliminarily judge arrhythmia, myocardial ischemia and other problems, and is a basic tool for checking heart function.

Cardiac color Doppler ultrasound: More accurate than ECG, suitable for middle-aged and elderly people or those with a family history of heart disease.

Carotid artery color Doppler ultrasound: It can detect arteriosclerotic plaques and is an important means of predicting stroke.

Brain MRI/CT (high-risk population): People with long-term headaches, dizziness or family history of stroke should consider it.

Recommended population: People over 35 years old, especially patients with three highs (high blood pressure, high blood lipids, and high blood sugar), should undergo regular cardiovascular and cerebrovascular assessments.

5. Digestive system examination: Don't let "stomach" discomfort become a hidden danger

Gastroscopy: Helicobacter pylori infection is an important cause of gastric cancer. People with long-term stomach pain, acid reflux, and family history should undergo gastroscopy.

Hepatobiliary spleen and pancreas color Doppler ultrasound: Check for fatty liver, gallstones, cirrhosis, pancreatic diseases, etc.

Recommended population: those over 30 years old or those who often stay up late, drink alcohol, and have irregular diets.

6. Urine test and stool test: "signal lights" of health

Urinalysis: can detect clues of urinary tract infection and diabetes.

Stool occult blood: used to screen the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and colorectal cancer.

Recommended population: suitable for all physical examinations, simple but significant.

7. Bone density and bone assessment: special attention to the middle-aged and elderly groups

Bone density examination: the risk of osteoporosis in women increases greatly after menopause, suitable for people over 50 years old.

Joint X-ray or MRI: For those who exercise regularly or have long-term joint discomfort, joint degeneration should be checked.

In the end: Physical examination is not a task, but the most basic responsibility for oneself

Many people's attitude towards physical examination is "don't go if there is nothing wrong", "fear of trouble", "fear of finding problems", but we must understand that physical examination is not to "scare ourselves", but to intervene in possible risks in advance and reverse them in time.

Annual physical examination is not an "elective course", but a "compulsory course" for your healthy life. Don’t wait until something goes wrong before you regret not checking your health. Health is always worth your earliest investment and deepest attention.

Set a reminder for yourself: Is your next physical examination appointment coming up? It’s time to take action!