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Men account for higher rates of nearly all major chronic diseases — yet nearly two-thirds admit that they avoid going to the doctor for as long as possible, according to a Cleveland Clinic survey.
Physicians warn that once men enter their 40s, routine screenings become essential for spotting problems early, before preventable conditions turn life-threatening.
“When it comes to preventing heart attacks, strokes, fatigue, erectile dysfunction, metabolic disease and early aging, testing is essential,” Dr. Jack Wolfson, a cardiologist in Arizona, told Fox News Digital. “Most men have no idea what’s happening inside their bodies until it’s too late.”
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“If I could give one message to every man over 40: Test, don’t guess,” he went on. “Catch the problem early, fix it naturally, and live to 100 and beyond with vitality.”
Below, experts share some of the most important medical tests that men over 40 should discuss with their doctors — some of which are universally recommended, and others that apply to certain groups.
Men account for higher rates of nearly all major chronic diseases — yet nearly two-thirds admit that they avoid going to the doctor for as long as possible. (iStock)
1. Complete blood count (CBC)
Dr. Andrea Caamano, M.D., a New Jersey physician specializing in endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism, recommends that this blood test is performed yearly for men in their 40s and older.
“It tells us the state of a patient’s red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets, and tells of infection, allergic reactions, inflammation, anemia and clotting disorders,” she told Fox News Digital.
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The CBC is especially important in men undergoing testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), as testosterone stimulates the production of red blood cells — and an overproduction will raise the risk of clots and high blood pressure, according to the doctor.
“The test’s only limitation is that it does not tell us why something is happening,” Caamano said. “It will give us values, but not a reason when they are outside normal limits.”
“If I could give one message to every man over 40: Test, don’t guess.”
Health agencies such as the CDC, U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) and World Health Organization do not recommend a CBC test for every person without symptoms, but they do recommend it for people experiencing symptoms like anemia, infection, inflammation, fatigue, bleeding or bruising, or for those with a known medical condition.
2. Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP)
This blood test is commonly performed yearly, according to Caamano, especially for men using TRT.
“This blood test measures metabolic and organ function, giving information about the kidneys and liver, and electrolyte and glucose state,” she said. “It is important to catch any organ issue that can pop up on its own, or that can be age- or medication-induced.”
The CDC and USPSTF recommend that all adults 18 and over should undergo routine blood pressure screening. High blood pressure is defined as 130/80 mmHg or higher. (iStock)
The test can also catch things like liver and kidney disease, pre-diabetes, full-blown diabetes and electrolyte imbalances that can lead to blood pressure fluctuations and heart rhythm issues, according to the doctor.
Caamano recommends that men using TRT get a baseline CMP, then get monitored every three to six months in the first year of treatment and then yearly. Organizations like the USPSTF, CDC and WHO, however, only recommend CMPs when evaluating symptoms, monitoring chronic conditions or checking medication safety.
3. Blood pressure
The CDC and USPSTF recommend that all adults 18 and over should undergo routine blood pressure screening. High blood pressure is defined as 130/80 mmHg or higher.
Individuals aged 40 and older — or those with elevated risk — are advised to be tested every year, while younger adults with consistently normal results may be screened every three to five years.
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“The use of TRT can increase blood pressure, so it is very important to monitor regularly,” Caamano said. “Increased blood pressure can be indicative of cardiovascular disease.”
4. Coronary artery calcium (CAC) score
Dr. Auda Auda, a board-certified physician at Baker Health in New York, names this as his top recommendation to protect against heart disease, which remains the No. 1 cause of death in men over 40.
“A CAC scan directly measures calcified plaque in the coronary arteries, years before symptoms develop,” Auda told Fox News Digital. “For many men, it’s the difference between ‘normal annual labs’ and a silent, high-risk cardiovascular picture that would otherwise go unnoticed.”
A high CAC score identifies early coronary atherosclerosis, leading to targeted lifestyle changes, statins and risk modification to help prevent heart attack and stroke. (iStock)
A high CAC score identifies early coronary atherosclerosis, leading to targeted lifestyle changes, statins and risk modification to help prevent heart attack and stroke, the doctor noted.
The test should be done every five years if the score is 0, or every one to two years if the score is >0, Auda advised.
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“I’ve had multiple men in their 40s with ‘perfect’ cholesterol come back with CAC scores in the 200-400 range, completely changing their trajectory,” he shared.
Major health agencies, such as the American College of Cardiology (ACC), American Heart Association (AHA) and USPSTF, recommend CAC scoring for adults who are at intermediate risk of heart disease or when it’s unclear whether they should start statin therapy.
5. Advanced lipid profile
Dr. Jeremy M. Liff, a board-certified neurologist in New York, puts this test at the top of his list.
“Unlike a standard cholesterol panel, which only gives you HDL (‘good’ cholesterol) and LDL (‘bad’ cholesterol), the advanced version breaks down the specific types of LDL particles,” Liff told Fox News Digital. “Some LDL particles are far more dangerous than others.”
“Insulin resistance influences nearly every major organ, including the liver and the brain.”
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