What are the examination items for elderly health check ups

Health check ups for the elderly usually include blood routine, urine routine, liver function, kidney function, electrocardiogram, chest X-ray, abdominal ultrasound, bone density testing, blood glucose and lipid testing, tumor marker screening, and other items. The physical examination content needs to be adjusted based on individual underlying diseases, family history, and lifestyle habits. It is recommended to undergo a comprehensive examination once a year.

1. Blood routine

evaluates the risk of anemia, infection, or hematological diseases through red blood cell, white blood cell, and platelet counts. The elderly population should pay close attention to hemoglobin levels to screen for malnutrition or chronic blood loss. Abnormal lymphocyte ratios may indicate decreased immune function. Blood routine testing does not require fasting, but it is necessary to avoid immediate blood collection after intense exercise.

2. Biochemical complete set

includes liver function, kidney function, and electrolyte testing. Elevated levels of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase indicate liver injury, while creatinine and urea nitrogen reflect renal filtration function. Older people often experience electrolyte imbalances such as hyponatremia or hyperkalemia, which may be related to chronic disease medication or endocrine disorders. Fasting for 8 hours is required before testing to ensure the accuracy of the results.

3. Cardiovascular assessment

Electrocardiogram can detect abnormalities such as arrhythmia and myocardial ischemia, and dynamic electrocardiogram is suitable for patients with paroxysmal palpitations. Carotid ultrasound can detect atherosclerotic plaque, and ankle brachial index can assess the risk of peripheral vascular disease. Patients with combined hypertension should undergo cardiac ultrasound to observe changes in ventricular structure.

4. Tumor screening

Alpha fetoprotein and carcinoembryonic antigen are suitable for initial screening of liver cancer and colorectal cancer, and prostate-specific antigen is recommended for men to be tested annually. Low dose lung CT is more likely to detect early lung cancer than X-ray, and gastroscopy can visually observe gastrointestinal lesions. Individuals with a family history need to increase the frequency of imaging examinations for relevant areas.

5. Bone and Joint Examination

Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry is the gold standard for diagnosing osteoporosis, and a T-value below -2.5 requires anti osteoporosis treatment. Knee joint X-rays can assess the degree of degenerative disease, and uric acid testing can assist in determining the risk of gout. Long term calcium supplements should regularly monitor blood calcium concentration to prevent ectopic calcification.

In addition to basic tests, it is recommended to add specialized tests such as thyroid function, glycated hemoglobin, and homocysteine based on individual circumstances. Three days before the physical examination, maintain a light diet to avoid affecting blood lipid results. Chronic disease patients should not stop taking medication without authorization on the day of the physical examination. Abnormal indicators should be reported for specialized follow-up within 2 weeks, and normal individuals should also save historical data for comparison and trend changes. Daily attention should be paid to recording self testing data such as blood pressure and blood sugar for doctors' reference. Moderate exercise and balanced diet can delay organ function decline.