5 medical tests to get done if you are in your 20s

5 MEDICAL TESTS FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE 20 ALREADY: Our busy schedules have bound us to put reminders for everything - birthdays of our loved ones, bill reminders, fill forms, making important calls, fixing appointments and what not. But what about that one important thing for which neither we put a reminder, nor we bother to even plan to put a reminder. So, what is it that is being referred to? The regular medical check-ups! It’s hard to keep a tab on your health as every medical test and screening has its own guidelines. So, to make things easy and simple, here we bring to you a list of five tests that you must get done if you are over 20.

BLOOD PRESSURE: The problem of high blood pressure can lead to more serious problems like stroke, kidney failure, heart problems and even brain haemorrhage. You should get your blood pressure checked every year if the readings are normal and every month if the readings are abnormal. One can start getting their blood pressure checked once they cross 20 years of age.

CHOLESTEROL: High cholesterol is a risk factor for heart diseases. The first cholesterol test should be done once you cross 20. And if your LDL (bad cholesterol) turns out to be more than 130, then make sure to get it checked annually. If it turns out to be normal, you can wait for three years before you get it checked again.

STD SCREENINGS: If you are sexually active with more than one partner or a new partner, you should get an annual chlamydia and gonorrhoea test (pelvic inflammatory disease) done. The test is quick and easy to get done.

CLINICAL BREAST EXAMINATION: The American Cancer Society recommends getting a clinical breast examination every three years for women in their 20s. Though this won’t reduce the number of cases but early detection can definitely make the treatment less difficult and may save lives.

PAP SMEAR: Pap smear is a screening that detects abnormal cells, inflammation and infection of the cervix which may lead to cervical cancer. According to The American College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, women should start getting themselves screened every year once they cross 21 years of age. The rate of cervical cancer in women who are less than 21 years of age is less than one per cent.