Medical check up is a comprehensive health check that is important to be done regularly. Before doing a medical check-up, there are several preparations that you should do so that the results of the examination are more accurate.
Routine medical check-ups need to be carried out to monitor the condition of the body's health, to detect certain diseases or health problems early, and to determine further treatment steps or a referral to a specialist if the results of the examination indicate a health problem.
Periodic health checks can be carried out by healthy people, sufferers of certain medical conditions, or as needed, such as:
- Patients with chronic diseases, such as hypertension and diabetes
- People over 40 years old, especially those with physical complaints or a history of chronic disease
- Preparation for surgery
- As an administrative requirement for applying for a job, applying for a visa application (medical check-up visa) and insurance, or for higher education in certain majors
- Employee medical check-up
Preparation Before Health Check
Before you come to the hospital for a medical check-up, there are several things that are important to prepare, namely:
1. Recording complaints
Take note of any complaints that you have or have had so far, such as pain, headaches, changes in body shape, menstrual cycle disturbances, allergies, or lumps. In addition to physical complaints, you can also convey complaints related to your mental health, such as difficulty sleeping, anxiety, stress, or prolonged sadness.
2. Record family health history
Family medical history includes information about the medical history and disease history in your immediate family and close blood relatives. This information is important for doctors to know so that doctors can detect whether you have risk factors for certain genetic disorders or hereditary diseases.
3. Record the drugs consumed
When undergoing regular health checks, you need to tell your doctor about any medicines, supplements, or herbal medicines that you routinely or have been taking in the long term. It is important to complete the information obtained by the doctor when conducting a medical check-up.
4. Bring the results of previous medical examinations
If you have previously undergone certain medical procedures, such as surgery, immunization, or physiotherapy, don't forget to tell your doctor. Similarly, if you have undergone certain supporting examinations, such as blood and urine tests, X-rays, ultrasound, CT scans, endoscopy, and biopsies.
5. Find out the terms of the examination that will be carried out
Some health checks may require you to fast for 8–12 hours before the test, such as checking cholesterol and blood sugar.
In addition to some of the preparations above, you are also advised to re-check the medical check-up schedule that will be undertaken and try to arrive on time.
Various Types of Examination During Medical Check Up
When conducting a medical check-up, the doctor will ask several things, such as your medical complaints, medical history, medical history, and habits or lifestyle that you live, such as smoking or consuming alcoholic beverages, eating patterns, and physical activity or activity. sport.
After that, the doctor will perform the following health checks:
General inspection
The general health examination that will be carried out by the doctor includes a chest physical examination to assess the condition of the heart and lungs, a physical examination of the abdomen to assess the health condition of the digestive tract system, as well as vital signs, such as:
Blood pressure
In adults, the normal blood pressure range is about 120/80 mmHg. Through this examination, the doctor can find out whether your blood pressure is normal, high (hypertension), or low (hypotension).
Body temperature
The average human body temperature is 36.5–37.5°Celsius. However, there are also those that are slightly lower or higher due to being influenced by activities and exposure to ambient temperature.
Heart rate
The average normal heart rate in humans is 60–100. However, there are also people whose heart rate is below 60 and is still in a normal stage. Usually a low heart rate is normal found in athletes or people who often do strenuous exercise.
To check the heart rate, the doctor can check the pulse on the wrist or hear the heartbeat directly in the chest using a stethoscope.
Respiratory rate
The normal respiratory rate for a healthy adult is 16–20 breaths per minute. Although it can be influenced by activity or psychological conditions before the examination, there is a possibility that you will experience lung or heart problems if you breathe more than 20 times per minute.
Examination during a medical check-up also includes an examination of the overall condition of the body which includes:
- Eye and vision check
- Ear and hearing examination
- Dental check-up
- Kidney and urinary tract examination
- Examination of limbs and nerves
In addition to a physical examination, doctors will also generally recommend supporting examinations when conducting a medical check-up, such as urine tests, blood tests for complete blood tests, blood sugar, cholesterol, and uric acid levels, electrocardiograms, and X-rays.
Additional checks for women
In addition to the general examination above, doctors will also usually perform additional medical check-ups on female patients. These tests may include Pap smears and mammography.
Pap smear examination is carried out by a doctor at the same time as a physical examination of the female reproductive organs, such as a physical examination of the pelvis, vulva, vagina, and cervix. Some of these tests are important for early detection of certain diseases, such as cervical cancer and sexually transmitted diseases.
In addition, the doctor may also perform a physical examination of the breast along with supporting mammography. Through this examination, the doctor will assess whether there is a lump, tumor, or even cancer in the breast.
Additional checks for men
Medical check-up for men usually includes a general health examination plus an examination of the male reproductive organs, which includes the penis, testes, and prostate. In addition to a physical examination, the doctor may also suggest supporting tests such as blood and urine tests.
The examination aims to detect whether there are certain diseases, such as sexually transmitted diseases, tumors or penile cancer, benign prostate enlargement, and prostate cancer.
Medical check-ups should be done regularly every 3-5 years for people under 40 years old and 1-3 years for people over 40 years old.
However, medical check-ups may need to be carried out more often for people who have a history of certain diseases or are at high risk for disease, for example due to an unhealthy lifestyle or genetic factors.
The results of a medical check-up can usually be obtained within a few days or weeks. After the results of your medical check-up come out, the doctor will explain your health condition and provide suggestions to maintain your health condition based on the results of the check-up.
If necessary, the doctor may advise you to consult a specialist further if you are diagnosed with certain health problems or diseases.