Five Vital Blood Tests Every Man Should Have

Regular health exams and blood tests can help find problems before they start.

The older we get, the more important it is to pay attention to our health.

While some illnesses, like the flu, are obvious, others are more silent, wreaking havoc upon our bodies from the inside out.

If you’re a man, it’s imperative that you not only get annual physical exams, but that you have certain blood tests completed as well.

Here are five types of blood tests that every man should have: 

1. Blood Tests for Complete Blood Count (CBC)

The first blood test that you should receive is a complete blood count. A CBC can give your doctor a baseline of such key factors as your red blood cell count, white blood cell count and platelet count.

A high white blood cell count can indicate an infection that your body is trying to fight off, while a low red cell count may indicate anemia.

By having a baseline test such as a CBC conducted, you and your doctor can partner together to keep an eye on the way that your body ages and if it is does so normally.

2. Blood Glucose Test

A blood glucose test is especially important if you’re overweight or have a family history of diabetes. This test will determine if your blood sugar is too high or too low, either of which can alert your doctor to diabetes.

If your fasting blood glucose test results in a number between 140 and 200, your doctor will consider you to be prediabetic. If, on the other hand, your number soars above 200, you are considered to be diabetic.

The earlier you know that you are developing diabetes, the more options you have to treat your condition. If you are prediabetic, you can often remedy things by simple changes in your diet and exercise routine.

3. Lipid Profile Blood Tests

A lipid profile is what doctors use to discover your cholesterol numbers.

Good cholesterol, or HDL, should have numbers that range between 45 and 50 mg/dl.

Bad cholesterol, or LDL, should have numbers below 130 mg/dl. Your triglycerides should come in at under 150.

Keep in mind that these numbers are average goals; if you have a family history of cardiovascular disease, your doctor may want your numbers to be lower.

If your levels are only slightly out of whack, your doctor will prescribe dietary changes and the addition of exercise to your daily lifestyle. If your levels are extraordinary, prescription medication may be in order.

4. Blood Tests for C-Reactive Protein (CRP)

An elevated level of CRP in your blood is the only indicator of inflamed arteries. These arteries can lead to cardiovascular disease; finding out if your CRP levels are high is the first step in defending yourself against heart problems.

Doctors tell us that if a man’s cholesterol and CRP levels are both high, he is at even greater risk for heart attack. Because the test can detect virtually any inflammation, it is suggested that you take two tests, one month apart, and average your two scores.

5. Prostate Specific Antigen Blood Tests (PSA)

As part of your prostate examination, your doctor should perform a blood test, looking for elevated levels of PSA. If your PSA levels are high, it may be indicative of an enlargement of the prostate, prostatitis or the beginning of prostate cancer.

Researchers suggest ensuring that you are getting at least 200 micrograms of selenium per day along with taking a multivitamin. Doing both can help to keep prostate cancer at bay.

It’s not unusual for men to ignore their health until something is drastically wrong. If you can get yourself out of this mindset and start having yourself checked on an annual basis, you can stave off a majority of diseases and illnesses.

At a minimum, make sure that you are getting a physical exam annually and following your doctor’s recommendations when it comes to blood testing.

Do you do the above blood tests once a year? What else do you do to stay healthy?

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Article by John Martin

John Martin writes articles for several health testing sites and suggests that the Las Vegas discount lab testing is very affordable.

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