What should be checked during the physical examination for the elderly

The physical examination of elderly people should focus on cardiovascular, tumor, bone and joint, metabolic, and cognitive function systems. The main items include blood pressure and blood glucose testing, electrocardiogram, bone density screening, tumor marker examination, cognitive function assessment, etc.

1. Cardiovascular examination

Routine blood pressure measurement and dynamic electrocardiogram can screen for issues such as hypertension and arrhythmia. Carotid artery ultrasound can evaluate the degree of arteriosclerosis, while cardiac ultrasound can detect abnormalities in cardiac structure and function. For those with symptoms of chest tightness, it is recommended to undergo coronary CTA, and long-term smokers should undergo regular lung function tests.

2. Tumor screening

Men should undergo prostate-specific antigen testing and low-dose lung CT, while women should increase breast ultrasound and HPV combined with TCT examination. gastrointestinal endoscopy can detect digestive tract tumors early, and it is recommended that people over 50 years old undergo a check-up every 3-5 years. Tumor markers such as CEA and CA199 can serve as auxiliary indicators.

3. Bone and Joint Assessment

Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry is the gold standard for diagnosing osteoporosis. Knee joint X-rays can observe degenerative diseases, and rheumatoid factor testing can help differentiate the type of arthritis. Patients with lower back pain need to undergo spinal MRI examination to rule out compression fractures.

4. Metabolic index monitoring

Fasting blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin can reflect the control of blood glucose, and the four key indicators of blood lipids include total cholesterol, triglycerides, etc. The five aspects of thyroid function can screen for hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, and uric acid testing is of great significance for the prevention of gout.

5. Cognitive Function Test

The Simplified Mental State Examination Scale is an effective tool for screening dementia, and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale can more comprehensively evaluate the cognitive domain. Brain CT or MRI can observe the degree of brain atrophy, while transcranial Doppler ultrasound can evaluate cerebral blood flow status. Elderly people should undergo a comprehensive physical examination once a year, and maintain a light diet for 3 days before the examination to avoid affecting their indicators. Chronic disease patients need to bring daily medication records for doctors' reference, and establish a health record to track changes in indicators after examination. It is recommended to choose an elderly exclusive physical examination package that includes eye examinations, hearing tests, and other items. Abnormal results of the physical examination should be promptly reviewed at a specialist clinic. Daily attention should be paid to supplementing calcium and vitamin D, adhering to moderate exercise to maintain cardiovascular function, and maintaining social activities to delay cognitive decline.