What a Basic Check-up Covers
- BP, weight, waist size and a physical examination
- Blood count (haemoglobin)
- Fasting sugar and HbA1c
- Lipid profile (cholesterol)
- Liver and kidney function
- Thyroid (TSH)
- Urine test
- Vitamin B12 and vitamin D, when relevant
Depending on your age and history, an ECG, chest X-ray, ultrasound of the abdomen or other tests may be added.
By Age
- 20s and 30s: a basic check every two to three years, sooner if there is a family history of diabetes or heart disease.
- 40s and 50s: once a year, including sugar, cholesterol, BP and an ECG. Women should also discuss breast and cervical screening.
- 60 and above: once a year, with added focus on bones, eyes, hearing, memory and vaccines.
After Your Reports
This is the part that matters most. Dr. Ranjana Bhatt goes through each report with you, explains what is normal for you, and flags what needs action. A slightly high SGPT or a borderline sugar is a chance to act early, not something to ignore. Common follow-ups include diabetes treatment in Panchkula, thyroid treatment in Panchkula and fatty liver treatment in Panchkula.
Making Sense of Common Report Findings
- Borderline sugar (HbA1c 5.7 to 6.4%): prediabetes. Lifestyle changes now can stop it turning into diabetes.
- High LDL or triglycerides: needs a heart risk review, not always medicine straight away.
- Slightly raised SGPT: often fatty liver. Worth an ultrasound and lifestyle changes.
- Low vitamin D or B12: very common, and easy to correct.
- Low haemoglobin: the cause, usually iron deficiency, needs to be found and treated.
Who Should Not Wait for a Routine Check-up
If you already have symptoms such as chest pain, breathlessness, weight loss, constant tiredness or blood in the urine or stools, book a regular consultation rather than a check-up package. For constant tiredness, see a doctor for weakness and fatigue; for older parents, see a physician for elderly in Panchkula.
Preparing for Your Check-up
- Fast for 8 to 10 hours if sugar and cholesterol are being tested; plain water is fine
- Take your usual BP and thyroid medicines unless told otherwise
- Ask before taking diabetes medicines on the morning of a fasting test
- Wear loose sleeves for the blood sample
- Bring your old reports so results can be compared
- Avoid heavy exercise and alcohol the day before
Most results are ready within a day or two. Book a short visit to go through them rather than reading the reports on your own.
Check-ups for Women
Along with the basic tests, women should keep an eye on haemoglobin, thyroid and vitamin D, which are often low. From the 30s onward, ask about cervical cancer screening, and from the 40s, breast screening as advised by a gynaecologist. After menopause, bone health and heart risk become more important.
Women often look after everyone else's health first. A yearly check is worth making time for.
If You Already Have a Long-Term Condition
If you already have diabetes, high BP or thyroid disease, a general package may repeat tests you already do and leave out the ones you need. People with diabetes, for example, need a yearly urine test for protein, an eye check and a foot examination, which most packages don't include.
It is better to plan your yearly tests around your condition, with your doctor, than to buy a generic package off the shelf.
Check-ups for Men Over 40
For men, the main risks after 40 are diabetes, high BP, high cholesterol, fatty liver and heart disease, often all creeping up together. Waist size is a useful warning sign; above 90 cm means higher risk even if weight seems normal. Smokers should mention it, as it changes which tests make sense.
After 50, ask about prostate symptoms such as getting up at night to pass urine or a weak stream. These are common and usually treatable, and are worth discussing rather than ignoring.
How Often to Repeat Tests
Not every test needs to be done every year. If your results are normal and you have no risk factors, some tests can be repeated every two to three years. Others, like sugar and BP, are worth checking yearly after 40. Your doctor can tell you which ones matter for you. Keeping all your yearly reports in one file also makes it easy to spot slow changes over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I get a full body checkup?
Once a year after 40, and every two to three years before that if you are healthy.
Do I need to fast before the checkup?
Yes, 8 to 10 hours for sugar and cholesterol tests. Plain water is fine.
Are big health packages worth it?
Bigger isn't always better. Tests chosen for your age and risk, and properly reviewed, are more useful.
Can I get my checkup reports reviewed?
Yes. You can bring reports from any lab for a consultation.
Is a checkup useful if I feel fine?
Yes. Diabetes, high BP, fatty liver and high cholesterol often have no symptoms in the early stages.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Ranjana Bhatt, MBBS, DNB (General Medicine), Associate Director, Internal Medicine, Paras Health Panchkula.