Health checks for men
Men should have regular health checks. See your doctor for regular medical check-ups to help you
stay healthy and to pick up early warning signs of disease or illness. Cardiovascular (heart)
disease, diabetes and some cancers can often be picked up in their early stages, when treatment
may be more successful.
When you have a health check, your doctor will talk to you about your medical history, your
family’s history of disease and your lifestyle. Your diet, weight, how much you exercise and
whether or not you smoke will also be discussed.
If you have high-risk factors, such as a family history of a disease, it may be more likely that you
will develop a particular disease. Regular check-ups may help your doctor pick up early warning
signs. For example, high blood pressure may be an early warning sign of cardiovascular disease.
Health care at home
Health checks and staying well should be part of your regular routine. This will help you stay
healthy and pick up potential problems early. Things you can do at home include:
• Skin checks – you should check your skin for unusual moles or freckles. See your doctor if
you notice anything unusual. Men at high risk (for example, those who work outdoors)
need a yearly examination by their doctor or dermatologist.
• Dental care – you can reduce your risk of tooth decay, gum disease and tooth loss if you
clean your teeth regularly and eat a low-sugar diet. Visit the dentist at least once a year for
a dental examination and a professional cleaning.
• Testicle checks – from puberty onwards, you should check regularly for unusual
thickenings or lumps in the testicles. See your doctor if you are concerned.
Heart health checks
Health checks for heart disease may include:
• Blood pressure – have your blood pressure checked every two years if your blood
pressure is normal, you are aged under 40 years, and there is no family history of high
blood pressure. Have it checked yearly if you are over 40, your blood pressure is on the
high side or you have a personal or family history of high blood pressure, stroke or heart
attack. Be advised by your doctor.
• Blood tests – these check cholesterol levels and blood triglycerides, among other things.
High levels may indicate an increased risk of various health problems including heart
disease. If you’re over 45, you should have these blood tests once every five years. If
you’re at high risk of cardiovascular disease and have a family history, you should be
tested every year from the age of 40.
• Obesity tests – being overweight is a significant risk factor for many health conditions,
including cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Ask your doctor to check your body mass
index (BMI) and waist measurement every two years if you are aged under 40 years. If
you are older than 40, you should have your weight checked annually.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG) – this is a non-invasive and painless medical test that detects
cardiac (heart) abnormalities by measuring the electrical activity generated by the heart as
it contracts. If you are aged over 50 years, your doctor may recommend an ECG test every
two to five years, depending on your health and medical history.
Diabetes
Health checks for men Page 1 of 4
Tests for diabetes include a fasting blood sugar level test, which measures the amount of glucose
in the blood after you haven’t eaten for a while. Depending on your risk level, you will need to be
tested annually or once every three years.
Risk factors for type 2 diabetes include:
• Family history of diabetes
• Pre-diabetes (slightly elevated blood glucose levels)
• Age over 45 years
• Overweight or obesity
• High blood pressure
• High blood cholesterol
• Smoking
• Sedentary lifestyle
• History of angina (chest pain), heart attack or stroke
• Particular ethnic backgrounds.
