12 Types of Tests You Should Undertake If Your Health Is Declining
No one wants to think about the possibility of their health declining, but it’s important to be proactive and understand the tests you should undertake if that happens. There are a variety of tests for different issues, and it’s important to know which ones to take depending on your symptoms. In this blog post, we will discuss twelve types of tests you should consider if your health is in decline. Stay healthy!
1. Blood pressure test
Firstly, your doctor will take your blood pressure. This tests for both the systolic (the upper number) and diastolic (the lower number) pressures. Your systolic pressure measures the force at which your heart pumps blood around your body, while your diastolic pressure is a measure of how much resistance there is in your arteries. If either of these numbers is too high, it could be a sign that your health is declining.
2. Urine tests
Next, your doctor will likely want to run some tests on your urine. This will give them an idea of how your kidneys are functioning, as well as whether you might have a urinary tract infection. Your doctor may also order a 24-hour urine collection, which will give them a more detailed picture of your kidney function.
3. Cholesterol tests
As well as taking your blood pressure, your doctor will also likely want to measure your cholesterol levels. High cholesterol can lead to a range of problems including heart disease, stroke, and even dementia. A simple blood test can give your doctor an indication of your cholesterol levels and whether you need to make any changes to your diet or lifestyle.
4. Allergy test
You may not think of allergies as a serious health concern, but they can actually be very dangerous. If you have a family history of allergies, or if you’ve been experiencing allergy symptoms, it’s important to get tested. An allergy test can help determine what you’re allergic to and how to best avoid triggering an allergic reaction. You can also take a premium food intolerance test to see if you have any food allergies, click here to learn more. Maybe you are intolerant to gluten or dairy and you didn’t even know it!
5. Diabetes test
Of course, if you have diabetes, it is important to get your blood sugar checked regularly. But did you know that there are different tests for diabetes? The AIC test measures what your average blood sugar has been over the past two to three months. The fasting plasma glucose (FPG) test is a measure of your blood sugar after not eating for at least eight hours. The oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) is a measure of your blood sugar after you have fasted for at least eight hours and then drink a sugary beverage.
6. Thyroid function test
Another test you should take if your health is declining is a thyroid function test. This test measures the levels of thyroid hormones in your blood. Thyroid problems can cause a number of symptoms, including fatigue, weight gain, and depression. A thyroid function test can help determine if you have a thyroid problem and how to treat it.
7. Liver function tests
When it comes to your liver, blood tests can give your doctor important clues about your health. Liver function tests (LFTs) measure specific proteins and enzymes in your blood that are released by the liver. These tests can show whether the liver is inflamed or damaged and not working properly.
A common group of LFTs includes tests for:
– Bilirubin
– Alanine transaminase (ALT)
– Aspartate transaminase (AST)
– Alkaline phosphatase (ALP)
– Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT)
– Protein, albumin, and globulin
Your doctor may also order tests to measure how well your liver is able to make certain proteins, including clotting factors. These tests can help diagnose conditions such as:
– Hepatitis
– Cirrhosis
If you have symptoms of liver disease or if tests show that your liver enzymes are elevated, your doctor will likely order additional tests to confirm the diagnosis. These tests may include imaging tests, such as ultrasound or CT scan, or a biopsy of the liver.
8. Kidney function tests
Kidney function tests are tests that evaluate how well your kidneys are working. These tests can help to detect kidney disease early when it is easier to treat.
There are several different types of kidney function tests, but the most common one is called a creatinine test. This test measures the level of creatinine in your blood. Creatinine is a waste product that is produced by your muscles and filtered out by your kidneys.
If your kidney function is declining, the level of creatinine in your blood will increase. This can be an early sign of kidney disease.
Other tests that can evaluate kidney function include:
– Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) test
– Urinalysis
– Imaging tests (such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI)
9. Chest x-rays
Naturally, if you have any pain in your chest, the first thing you should do is see your doctor. But sometimes, tests like a chest x-ray can be ordered to rule out more serious causes of chest pain, such as a heart attack or pneumonia.
10. CT scans
If you have any sort of abdominal pain, your doctor will likely order a CT scan. This test can help to rule out appendicitis, pancreatitis, or other problems in the abdomen.
11. MRI
An MRI can be used to look for tumors, strokes, aneurysms, and other problems in the brain and spine. It is often used when CT scans are not able to give enough information.
12. PET scans
Last but not least, a PET scan is a test that can provide your doctor with valuable information about your health. A PET scan uses radiation to create an image of your body, which can help your doctor to detect cancer and other diseases. If you are experiencing any unexplained changes in your health, or if you have been diagnosed with a disease, a PET scan may be able to help your doctor to get a better understanding of your condition.
So, there you have it! These are the tests that you should undertake if your health is declining. Of course, this is not an exhaustive list, and you should always speak to your doctor if you are concerned about your health. However, these tests can provide valuable information about your health, and they can help to ensure that you receive the best possible care.
