Top 10 Health Screenings Everyone Should Get by Age 40

Turning 40 is a major milestone and not just for birthday celebrations. It’s also a crucial time to check in on your health. As we approach midlife, our risk for chronic diseases begins to rise, even if we feel perfectly fine. That’s why regular health screenings become more important than ever.

At NHS Diagnostics, we believe in catching health issues before they become problems. Early detection can mean simpler treatments, fewer complications, and better long-term outcomes.

In this guide, we’re sharing the top 10 essential health screenings that every adult should consider by the age of 40 — whether you’re a man or woman, feeling fit or fatigued.

Why Health Screenings Matter

You may think, “I feel fine — why should I get tested?” The truth is, many serious health issues like high blood pressure, diabetes, or early-stage cancer don’t show clear symptoms in the beginning. That’s what makes screenings so powerful.

Benefits of early screening:

• Detect hidden conditions early

• Reduce the risk of serious complications

• Customize your lifestyle and medical care

• Improve your quality of life and lifespan

Let’s explore the key tests that belong on your checklist by age 40.

1. Blood Pressure Screening

Why it’s important:

High blood pressure (hypertension) is called the “silent killer” because it often has no symptoms but increases your risk for heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems.

When to check:

• At least once every year

• More frequently if you’re overweight, stressed, or have a family history

Healthy range:

• Normal: Below 120/80 mmHg

2. Cholesterol & Lipid Profile Test

Why it’s important:

This test measures your total cholesterol, LDL (bad cholesterol), HDL (good cholesterol), and triglycerides. Abnormal levels are linked to heart disease and stroke.

When to check:

• Every 4–6 years from your 20s

• Annually after age 40 or if you’re at high risk

Healthy goals:

• LDL: Below 100 mg/dL

• HDL: Above 40 (men) or 50 (women) mg/dL

• Triglycerides: Below 150 mg/dL

3. Blood Sugar & HbA1c Test

Why it’s important:

Type 2 diabetes often develops slowly and silently, especially after age 35. These tests help detect insulin resistance, prediabetes, or full-blown diabetes.

• Fasting blood glucose shows current sugar levels.

• HbA1c reflects your average over the past 3 months.

💉 When to check:

• Every 1–3 years starting at age 40

• More often if you’re overweight, inactive, or have a family history

Normal ranges:

• Fasting glucose: 70–99 mg/dL

• HbA1c: Below 5.7%

4. Complete Blood Count (CBC) & Vitamin Deficiency Panel

Why it’s important:

A CBC test checks your red and white blood cells, hemoglobin, and platelets — helping to detect anemia, infections, and immune disorders. Meanwhile, vitamin D, B12, and iron levels are critical for energy, brain health, and immunity.

💉 When to check:

• Once every 1–2 years, or as advised

• Sooner if you feel fatigued, dizzy, or have pale skin

5. Thyroid Function Test (T3, T4, TSH)

Why it’s important:

An imbalanced thyroid can affect your energy, weight, mood, metabolism, and fertility. Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are common after age 30, especially in women.

When to check:

• Once a year after age 35

• If you have symptoms like fatigue, weight gain/loss, hair thinning, or mood swings

6. Liver & Kidney Function Tests

Why it’s important:

Your liver filters toxins, while your kidneys balance fluids and blood pressure. Routine tests like LFT (Liver Function Test) and RFT (Renal Function Test) can catch early damage from alcohol, medications, poor diet, or underlying diseases.

When to check:

• Every 1–2 years after age 35

• More frequently if you use medications, drink alcohol, or have diabetes/hypertension

7. Cancer Screenings

Why it’s important:

Cancer doesn’t always show early symptoms. Depending on your gender and risk factors, regular cancer screenings can literally save your life.

Recommended screenings:

For women:

• Pap smear (cervical cancer): Every 3 years after age 21

• HPV test: Every 5 years after age 30

• Breast exam or mammogram: Starting around 40, or earlier if family history

For men:

• Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test: Around age 40–45, especially with family history

For all:

• Colorectal cancer screening: Begin at 45 or earlier if you have a family history

8. BMI, Waist Circumference & Body Fat Analysis

Why it’s important:

Obesity is a leading risk factor for diabetes, heart disease, joint problems, and even certain cancers. BMI alone isn’t enough — waist size and visceral fat levels matter more.

What to track:

• BMI (healthy range: 18.5–24.9)

• Waist circumference (Men: < 40 inches, Women: < 35 inches)

• Body fat % (Men: 10–20%, Women: 20–30%)

9. Eye & Vision Exam

Why it’s important:

Your eyes can reveal diabetes, high blood pressure, glaucoma, and other silent conditions. Vision can also start to decline in your 30s and 40s.

When to check:

• Every 1–2 years, or sooner if you wear glasses, have eye strain, or work on screens

10. Heart Health Tests (ECG + Cardiac Risk Markers)

Why it’s important:

Cardiovascular disease is still the #1 cause of death worldwide. Catching early signs with an ECG (electrocardiogram) or blood markers like CRP, homocysteine, and troponin can prevent heart attacks or strokes.

When to test:

• Baseline ECG by age 40

• Cardiac markers if you have high cholesterol, stress, or family history of heart disease

Bonus: Mental Health Check-In

Why it’s important:

Your mental health matters just as much as physical health. Anxiety, depression, burnout, and chronic stress are often ignored but they affect sleep, digestion, immunity, and even your heart.

Talk to your healthcare provider about:

• Mood swings

• Brain fog

• Persistent sadness or worry

• Work-life imbalance

 Summary: Your Health Screening Checklist by Age 40

Why Choose NHS Diagnostics?

At NHS Diagnostics, we make health screening simple, reliable, and stress-free. Whether you’re preparing for your 40s or just staying ahead, we offer:

 Comprehensive test packages
 Convenient home sample collection
 Certified labs and accurate results
 Fast turnaround and professional support

Conclusion

Health is not just about treating illness — it’s about staying ahead of it. Regular screenings are your best defense against silent threats that can grow into serious conditions. Whether you’re managing a busy career, family life, or both — your health deserves a place at the top of your to-do list.

Turning 40? There’s no better time to take charge of your health.
Book your next screening at NHS Diagnostics or call our team for personalized guidance.