Staying healthy is not just an option; it is a necessity. Regular health check-ups are important to identify any diseases in their initial stages.
Preventive testing helps to detect silent diseases in early stages. Here, the treatment process is easy and less invasive. This is significant for people who are at risk of silent conditions.
Not just treatment, modern healthcare prioritizes early treatment. Therefore, any disease does not progress to its advanced stage. An annual health check-up in a private clinic in Gatineau is a must for a person, especially for older individuals. This blog discusses the top preventive tests that must be included in your health check.
What Tests are to be Done During a Health Check-up?
To refrain from getting any chronic disease, you need to stay alert to your health condition. This indicates the importance of an annual check-up. Here are the six common tests that must be considered.
1. Blood Pressure Assessment
An abnormal blood pressure level can lead to any disease that you can’t even imagine. Hypertension (high blood pressure) is considered a ‘silent killer’ because it has no warning signs and can damage organs like the heart, kidneys, and brain. This makes blood pressure assessment a part of your medical check-up (Bilan de santé).
High blood pressure can result in strokes, heart attacks, and kidney diseases. Therefore, you must keep it under check. If you are above 40 years of age, you must assess your blood pressure once a week. Well, you can even monitor it in your home.
2. Complete Blood Count (CBC)
A complete blood count is a blood test that checks your overall health. This measures the numbers and types of cells (RBC, WBC, and platelets) in your blood, hemoglobin, and hematocrit.
This test helps to detect anemia, infections, or any heart disease. This is a mandatory test for the younger and older adults. You must visit any private clinic in Gatineau annually to perform this test. Patients dealing with chronic diseases need it twice or thrice a year.
3. Lipid Profile
Lipid profile refers to a panel of blood tests that detect the levels and abnormalities of body lipids (cholesterol and triglycerides). An abnormal HDL level can indicate any type of heart disease, whereas a poor LDL level can result in heart attack risk. This makes the stated test mandatory in your yearly health examination.
After you hit 50, you enter the high cardiovascular risk zone. Henceforth, a lipid profile test becomes necessary. You need to perform this test once or twice a year. Let’s see the healthy cholesterol ranges.
| Marker | Optimal Range | What It Indicates |
| Total cholesterol | < 200 mg/dL | Low heart disease risk |
| LDL “Bad” cholesterol | < 100 mg/dL | Lower artery blockage risk |
| HDL “Good” cholesterol | > 50 mg/dL | Heart protection |
| Triglycerides | < 150 mg/dL | Healthy metabolism |
Table 1: Healthy Cholesterol Ranges
Based on the lipid profile report, you need to decide whether you need to consult with a cardiologist.
4. Diabetes Panel
A diabetes panel is a blood and urine test package that helps to detect prediabetes and early diabetes. A diabetes screening comprises blood tests like A1C, fasting plasma glucose, random plasma glucose, etc.
Diabetes largely depends on lifestyle factors. If you are not leading a proper and healthy lifestyle, you must include a diabetes panel in your medical check-up (Bilan de santé). Well, adults above 35 years should not ignore this test. You can take this test once or twice a year.
5. Cardiac Health Evaluation
A good heart is an indication of good health. Isn’t it? This makes you visit any private clinic in Gatineau for a cardiac health evaluation (Stress test and ECG). Why do you need this health screening? This helps to detect irregularities in heart rhythm.
Do you have a family history of heart disease? If yes, this test is a must for you. Apart from analyzing your heart’s function, this helps to evaluate your blood flow and overall heart disease risk. Healthy adults above 50 years can opt for a cardiac health evaluation once in 2 to 3 years. Meanwhile, older adults with risk factors require an annual checkup. Here are some of the heart health tests.
| Test | Purpose | Who Needs It |
| Resting ECG | Detecting arrhythmias | Adults over 40 years of age or symptomatic |
| Stress Test | Evaluating the heart under exertion | High-risk individuals |
| Echocardiogram | Evaluating heart structure | Heart murmur or family history |
Table 2: Heart Health Tests
6. Thyroid Function Test
Even if you are a young adult, including a thyroid function test in your next health check is a must. This is a type of blood test that is performed to check your thyroid’s health by measuring T3, T4, and TSH levels.
The thyroid panel helps to detect diseases, like thyroiditis, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, etc. Referring to this test, general screening must be done annually. Well, a pregnant woman requires a check every trimester.
See also: Is It a Medical Emergency? Key Triage Decision Points You Should Know
What are the Benefits of a Private Clinic for Check-ups?
With an advanced health infrastructure in Canada, you must visit a private clinic in Gatineau to get the preventive tests done. Let’s see the major benefits.
- Quicker appointments
- Personalized care
- Advanced diagnostic technology
- Excellent follow-ups
Looking Back
Most of the chronic diseases remain silent in their initial stages. Hence, you need to perform preventive tests frequently so that you can detect any disease before it becomes a life-threatening one. Some of the common tests are blood pressure assessment, complete blood count, lipid profile, thyroid panel, etc.
Planning for a Preventive Test?
Find a reputable private medical center in Gatineau and get your test done. Seek professional help if you find abnormal reports. Stay aware of any silent disease and live a healthy life.
