8 Non-Routine Medical Tests Could Save Your Life
If you want to make sure that you live a
life that is as happy and healthy as possible, then you really need to
start taking care of your health as early as possible. Below, we've
listed 8 non-routine tests that really have the potential to save your
life, and some of them even need to be done as early as 30.
1. Duplex Ultrasound
A duplex ultrasound uses B-mode imaging to
examine the carotid arteries. This allows a 3D image of your artery
walls to be created. Additionally, it will also create a pulsed Doppler
scan, which will measure the speed of blood flow through the arteries.
The procedure itself is fairly simple, as a technician only needs to
move an ultrasound probe over your carotid arteries. You should take
this test if you're over 50, have experienced symptoms of a mini-stroke,
or have other risk factors for stroke or heart disease.
2. High Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein Test
This test measures your blood protein
levels for a particular type of protein that is associated with
inflammation, and which is known to increase the risk of stroke and
heart disease.
The procedure itself consists of a simple blood test. You should take it
if you're over 35, have a family history of heart disease or stroke, or
have at least one major risk factor for stroke or heart disease.
3. Homocysteine Test
A homocysteine test will scan your blood
for homocysteine, an amino acid which is known to cause a build-up of
plaque in the arteries.
To take this test, you will need to fast for at least 8 hours before
going for a blood test. You should get it done if you're over 35 and
have at least one major risk factor for stroke or heart disease.
4. Electron Beam Computed Tomogram
If you're worried about heart disease, then
getting this test done may give you some peace of mind. This is because
an electron beam computed tomogram measures calcium levels in your
coronary arteries, which have been linked to heart disease.
To take this test, an imaging machine needs to scan your chest, in order
to create pictures of your internal organs. You should ask for this
test if you're over 35 and have at least two major risk factors for
heart disease.
5. Fasting Blood Glucose Test
This test measures the amount of glucose
that is present in your blood, which can help determine your risk of
developing type-2 diabetes.
To take this test, you will need to fast for 8 to 12 hours before going
for a blood test. You should get it done if you're over 30 and have any
risk factors for diabetes, such as a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, or
have a family history of diabetes.
6. Isotope Treadmill Stress Test
This test will help to identify the
location and degree of severity of reduced blood flow to the heart, by
mapping 3D images of your heart at rest, during exercise, and after
exercise.
Doctors recommend taking this test if you are over 45, are planning to
begin a vigorous aerobic exercise program, or have 3 or more risk
factors for heart disease.
7. DEXA Scan
A DEXA scan examines your bone mass density
in order to work out how strong your bones are, as well as what your
risk of osteoporosis is.
To carry out a DEXA scan, you simply need to lie down on a padded
platform, while an image scanner slowly passes over your entire body.
You should get one done if you're over 50 and have at least 2 risk
factors for osteoporosis, such as excessive caffeine or alcohol use,
smoking, a family history of osteoporosis, or a diet low in vitamin D or
calcium.
8. Colonoscopy
When you undergo a colonoscopy, your doctor
will pass a colonoscope up your entire colon in order to search for
early signs of cancer, abnormal growths, and inflammation in the colon.
The exam takes between 15 and 30 minutes and you should be given a
sedative to keep you comfortable. All persons over 50 should get a
colonoscopy done, as well as everyone over 40 who have risk factors such
as excessive alcohol use, smoking, a family history of colon cancer, or
inflammatory bowel disease.