Do more for your health and take advantage of preventive checkups: Men and women are entitled to a health check-up every three years after reaching the age of 35 for the early detection of cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus and kidney disease. What does the Check-up 35 consist of, what is the procedure and what do the results mean? We provide information about the basic health check.
What does the basic health check-up 35 consist of?
The basic health check consists of a comprehensive recording of medical history and pre-existing conditions, as well as the survey of the whole body status, i.e. examinations to:
- Head
- Neck
- Chest
- Lungs
- Abdomen
- Height and weight (BMI)
- Skin
- Muscle tone
- Balance
- Locomotor system
- Reflexes
- Pulse
- Lymph nodes
- Function of the sensory organs
In addition, the vaccination status is also checked and, if necessary, a vaccination consultation is carried out. In addition, the following measures are part of the check-up 35. 13 tips for a healthy heart.
Overall medical history and blood test at check-up 35.
The medical history of the immediate family is also taken. Individual risks that may result from genetic predisposition are thus taken into account. During the accompanying blood test, the total cholesterol level and glucose level (blood sugar) are measured. The urine examination for protein, glucose, erythrocytes, leucocytes and nitrite is also part of the “all-round examination” at the doctor. The urine examination can be used, for example, to detect kidney disease or kidney stones, malnutrition, diabetes or bacterial infections. The results are used to create a complete lipid profile that includes total cholesterol, LDL and HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. Sugar levels, pulse rate and blood pressure are also checked.
Laboratory testing of blood and urine
Part of the check-up from 35 are the examination of blood and urine. Here’s what the lab values mean:
- Blood sugar (glucose): An elevated blood sugar level can be a sign of diabetes mellitus. Normal values: Fasting blood glucose: ≤ 100 milligrams per deciliter of blood (mg/dl).
- Cholesterol (CHOL): cholesterol occurs in two components: The “good” HDL cholesterol transports blood fats from the body tissues and provides some protection against atherosclerosis. The “bad” LDL cholesterol is deposited on the artery walls and increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. During a routine check, the total cholesterol in the blood is determined. Normal values: up to 190 mg/dl blood.
- Triglycerides (TG): triglycerides are among the blood fats. Especially in combination with a high LDL cholesterol level, high triglyceride levels are a risk factor for coronary heart disease. Normal fasting values: up to 150 mg/dl blood.
- Creatinine: every muscle movement produces the metabolic product creatinine, which is excreted through the kidneys in the urine. How much creatinine circulates in the blood depends on the functioning of the kidneys and the muscle mass present. An excessively high keratinine value can therefore indicate a kidney disorder. Normal values: women: 0.6 to 1.1 mg/dl blood; men: 0.7 to 1.3 mg/dl.
- Uric acid: Uric acid occurs as an end product in metabolism. The body also forms uric acid from foods such as meat and offal. If too much uric acid accumulates in the body or the excretion is inhibited by alcohol, it is deposited in the form of crystals in joints or kidneys. Painful gouty nodules and kidney stones are the result. Normal values: women: 2.5 to 5.9 mg/dl blood; men: 3.5 to 7.1 mg/dl.
- Red blood cells (erythrocytes): red blood cells carry oxygen from the lungs throughout the body. Too few red blood cells indicate anemia (anemia), too high a number indicates a disorder of blood cell formation. Normal values: women: 4 to 5.5 million per microliter of blood (million/yl); men: 4.5 to 5.9 million/yl.
- White blood cells (leukocytes): white blood cells play an important role in the defense against pathogens. A change in leukocyte count may indicate infection or inflammation. Normal values: Men and women: 4,000 to 10,000 per microliter of blood.
Determination of risk charts
Since cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, special emphasis is placed on possible risk factors during the Check-up 35. The physician determines these based on values such as gender, diet, blood pressure, alcohol or cigarette consumption, and existing pre-existing conditions. If this results in a high risk for the person concerned to suffer a heart attack or stroke, this can be counteracted at an early stage by taking appropriate measures.
Final consultation
The health check-up is followed by a consultation. This usually takes place a few days after the examination, when the corresponding laboratory results are available. In this discussion, the physician provides information about the results and clarifies possible health consequences. Depending on the individual findings and the risk factors identified, he or she will, for example, give tips on how to change diet or lifestyle and provide information on which behaviors are desirable or should be avoided in the future. He also provides information about cancer screening options. If the presence of a disease is suspected or if a diagnosis has already been made, further steps for diagnosis or treatment are initiated.
Where and when is a check-up 35 possible?
The check-up can be performed at all general practitioners, general practitioners or even internists. Both women and men aged 35 and older are entitled to a full check-up every three years. Even before the age of 35, the examination is paid for once (from the age of 18) by the health insurance company. However, the urine examination is waived, and the blood examination only takes place if the risk profile is appropriate.
Other important preventive examinations
While the 35+ health check includes total cholesterol levels, it does not include a number of other important blood values. For example, anyone who wants to check their liver values regularly without a medically justified need must pay for it themselves. In addition, from the age of 40, people should have their intraocular pressure measured regularly every two years – at least if they belong to a risk group (for example, if they have a family history of glaucoma, diabetes, high blood pressure or extreme nearsightedness). The glaucoma examination is carried out by an ophthalmologist, but the costs are only covered by health insurance in justified exceptional cases. However, the benefit of this preventive examination is controversial; an additional check of the visual field and optic nerve is therefore advisable. Don’t forget the dentist! Sick teeth are often associated with other diseases, especially rheumatic diseases. Displacements in the jaw can be the cause of headaches and neck problems, and untreated gingivitis can have serious consequences. Therefore, a visit to the dentist is definitely worthwhile.
Cancer screening is particularly important
This is also the motto of the numerous cancer screening programs supported by health insurance companies. While prostate screening is the main focus for men from the age of 45, women are screened for cancer of the reproductive organs from the age of 20 and for breast cancer from the age of 30. Breast cancer screening is initially done by palpation – between the ages of 50 and 69, health insurance covers mammography every two years. Beginning at age 50 for men and age 55 for women, colonoscopy can be done as part of colorectal cancer screening. If there is no medical need for an earlier repeat examination, it will be repeated after ten years at the expense of the health insurance company. In addition, a test for occult blood in the stool is possible from the age of 50, which also serves the early detection of colorectal cancer.
Prevention: prevention and knowledge
Health screening is critical to patients’ medical care and should not be underestimated. Regular screening provides an opportunity to identify potential risk factors early and treat or at least monitor them appropriately. Even many small changes in almost any aspect of daily life can prove to be a major shift toward disease in terms of an individual’s health. Almost every second participant in a screening examination is actually found to have a disease or corresponding risk factors.If detected at an early stage, these factors can usually be eliminated by behavioral changes or diseases can be treated in time. The aim of all preventive examinations is therefore to detect the onset of disorders in good time so that severe and, above all, permanent organ dysfunction can be prevented by initiating therapy. Timely diagnosis is and remains the best therapy in most cases: the sooner treatment can be initiated, the greater the chances of recovery. Therefore, it is highly recommended to regularly attend the check-up 35 and thus prevent the development of serious health problems. Cancer: these symptoms can be warning signs
