It’s really important every man takes charge of his health and run these tests because prevention they say is better than cure.
Taking a test regularly helps you identify risk factors on time allowing you nip a problem in the bud.
Below are 10 blood tests every man should take
1. COMPLETE BLOOD COUNT (CBC):
The complete blood count is an array of baseline numbers for key factors such as red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. Abnormally high or low cell counts could indicate the presence of various forms of diseases. Low numbers might signal anemia, a blood disorder that might lead to heart arrhythmia if left untreated.
2. GLUCOSE TEST:
The glucose test measures the amount of blood glucose and performing this test is important because knowing your sugar score can help you track type-2 diabetes. Constant high blood glucose levels can damage blood cells, eyes, nerves and kidney.
3. HDL CHOLESTEROL:
This test checks the level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Generally, your HDL (good) cholesterol should be between 45 and 50 mg/dl while your LDL (bad) cholesterol should be below 130 mg/dl. If your HDL is too low, adding walnuts into yoghurt could help increase it by 9 percent and even if your LDL don’t go down, you can still half your chances of dying of a heart attack by exercising.
4. C-REACTIVE PROTEIN (CRP):
CRP is a protein produced by the liver. The CRP levels rise when there is an inflammation in the body. If your CRP as well as your total cholesterol is high, you’re at an even greater risk of having a heart attack than would be with either risk factor by itself.
5. PROSTRATE SPECIFIC ANTIGENS:
It’s important to pay great attention in tracking your prostrate specific antigens (PSA). The PSA is a protein produced by the prostrate gland and this tests measures the level of PSA in a man’s blood. An elevated PSA level can lead to prostrate cancer, inflammation of the prostrate prostatitis, and the enlargement of the prostrate (benign prostatic hyperplasia).
6. THYROID:
When you don’t sleep as well as you should, you are at risk of having thyroid problems. Stress and poor sleep are often the culprits behind thyroid imbalance. Hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid) can lead to goiter, anxiety, sleep problems, increased heart rate and weight loss. Hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid) can lead to hair loss, weight gain and cloudy memory. The thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) test will determine if you have a problem.
7. ASPIRIN RESISTANCE:
The aspirin resistance test helps identify if a person is resistant to aspirin. Aspirin is a drug that reduces the stickiness of platelets, making them less likely to clump together and block a blood vessel.
8. HOMOCYSTEINE:
This is an amino acid which is synthesized in the body. An elevated level of homocysteine (above 10 micromoles/litre) may be associated with hardening and narrowing of the arteries, increased risk of heart attack, blood clot formation and stroke.
9. DHEA (DEHYDROEPIANDRISTERONE):
This is produced by the adrenal glands and is a precursor to the sex hormones estrogen and testosterone. Immune functions, healthy body composition, bone density and mood are supported by healthy levels of DHEA.
10. TESTOSTERONE:
This is also important as low levels are associated with depression, increased abdominal fat, low libido, erectile dysfunction and loss of muscle tone.
S.O.Z