What is Check Up, What Does It Include? For Which Diseases Is It Done?

Check-up is a personalized and safe preventive clinical examination. The benefits of check-up include the timely diagnosis of various diseases and their effective treatment when diagnosed early. It allows for preventive measures before a disease progresses, which is particularly important in asymptomatic diseases because symptoms may appear when the disease has progressed too far to be treated. Blood tests, imaging methods such as X-rays and ultrasounds, and physical examinations are part of the screening process. Regular check-ups are crucial for maintaining a healthy lifestyle and preventing potential health issues.

How is Check Up Done?

The check-up process is carried out in several stages, each aimed at assessing the individual’s overall health status. The first stage usually involves taking the person’s health history. The steps of a check-up may include:

• Taking health history: In the first stage, the doctor discusses your medical history, your family’s disease history, and your lifestyle. They gather information about your diet, weight, exercise habits, and smoking status. This stage helps identify risk factors and points of concern. The personalized check-up plan is shaped based on the provided information.
• Physical examination: After taking the health history, a physical examination is conducted. The doctor evaluates the person’s general appearance, skin health, pulse, blood pressure, and body mass index. The examination is important for observing health signs that may be visible externally. The physical findings guide the detailing of personalized tests.
• Laboratory tests and imaging: Following the physical examination, blood and urine tests are performed. Blood tests examine parameters such as vitamin, mineral, sugar, and cholesterol levels; urine tests check kidney health and urinary tract issues. Imaging methods such as X-rays, ultrasounds, EKGs, and CT scans are used to evaluate internal organs in detail. These tests provide comprehensive information about the functioning of the organs.
• Evaluation of results: All test and examination results are evaluated by the doctor. The doctor determines whether there is a health issue based on the findings. If any health problem is detected, they provide treatment recommendations and inform the individual about their condition.
• Creation of treatment and follow-up plan: A treatment or monitoring plan is prepared for the individual. If a health issue arises in the results, the doctor explains the treatment process and develops the necessary treatment plan. For individuals in good health, the frequency of check-ups is indicated. This stage includes recommendations to help maintain the individual’s health in the long term and aims to improve quality of life.

For Which Diseases is Check Up Done?

Regular health checks can help identify early warning signs of disease or discomfort. Heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers can often be detected in their early stages when treatment may be more successful. Some diseases checked during the check-up include:

• Heart diseases: During the check-up, EKGs, stress tests, and blood tests evaluate heart health. Cholesterol and triglyceride levels are critical in determining heart disease risk. Factors such as high cholesterol or high blood pressure can increase the risk of arterial blockage or heart attack. Early diagnosis allows for lifestyle changes or medication to protect heart health.
• Diabetes: Fasting blood sugar and HbA1c tests assess the individual’s risk of diabetes. Diabetes may not show symptoms in its early stages, but it can be understood through blood sugar levels during a check-up. Early diagnosed diabetes can be controlled with proper treatment and diet. Individuals who have not been diagnosed with diabetes should regularly undergo these tests to prevent serious complications in the long term.
• Liver diseases: Liver function tests performed during the check-up indicate whether the liver is functioning properly. High liver enzyme levels may indicate diseases such as hepatitis, fatty liver, or cirrhosis. Individuals with alcohol consumption, medication use, or genetic predisposition should pay attention to liver health. If liver diseases are detected early, their progression can be slowed down with treatment and dietary adjustments.
• Kidney diseases: Kidney function tests and urinalysis help evaluate whether the kidneys are functioning properly. The presence of protein or blood in the urine test results may indicate kidney disorders. Conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes can affect kidney functions, making it important for at-risk individuals to undergo these tests. Early diagnosed kidney disorders can be prevented from progressing with diet and treatment.
• Cancer types: Specific screenings for certain types of cancer are conducted during the check-up. Specific tests such as mammography for breast cancer in women and PSA tests for prostate cancer in men allow for early detection of cancer. Colonoscopy or cervical cancer screenings may also be included in routine check-ups. Early diagnosed cancers can be found at stages with a higher chance of treatment, thus extending life expectancy.
• Thyroid diseases: Thyroid function tests performed during the check-up indicate whether the thyroid gland is functioning correctly. Conditions such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism can be detected early by measuring TSH, free T3, and free T4 levels. Since thyroid dysfunctions affect metabolism and energy levels, early treatment is crucial.
• Anemia: A complete blood count performed during the check-up assesses the status of red blood cells in the blood. Low hemoglobin levels may indicate causes of anemia such as iron deficiency or vitamin deficiencies. Anemia can cause symptoms like fatigue and shortness of breath, and if untreated, it can decrease quality of life. Early diagnosed anemia can be easily treated with iron or vitamin supplements. The distribution of leukocytes (white blood cells) can also be observed.
• Osteoporosis: Bone density measurements performed, especially in older individuals, check bone health. Osteoporosis increases the risk of fractures in individuals at risk. If decreases in bone density are detected early, bone health can be maintained with calcium and vitamin D supplements or medication. The risk of osteoporosis can be managed with exercise and dietary changes.
• Infections: Some blood and urine tests are conducted to detect possible infections in the body. Particularly sexually transmitted infections or diseases like hepatitis can be detected early during the check-up. When infections are diagnosed early, they are easier to treat, preventing long-term health issues. For individuals with weakened immune systems, these tests are important for managing infection risks. Tuberculosis, abscesses, and rheumatic conditions can be detected in the early stages.
• Lipid disorders (High cholesterol): Cholesterol and triglyceride tests performed during the check-up indicate fat levels in the blood. High cholesterol is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, making early diagnosis important. Abnormalities in LDL, HDL, and triglyceride levels can increase the risk of heart attack. Cholesterol levels can be controlled with diet, exercise, and medication, thus protecting heart health.

What Does Check Up Include?

Check-up packages may vary based on the individual’s age, health history, and risk factors, but generally include the following main headings:

• Blood tests
• Urinalysis
• Imaging tests (X-ray, ultrasound, tomography, MRI, scintigraphy)
• Electrocardiography (EKG)
• Hormone tests
• Eye examination
• Dental examination
• Colorectal cancer screening
• Mammography and breast examination
• Bone density measurement
• Prostate test (PSA Test)

How Often Should Check Up Be Done?

The frequency of check-ups may vary based on factors such as age, health status, and family disease history. Generally, it is recommended that healthy individuals undergo check-ups once a year; this is important for early detection of any disease and starting treatment. For individuals at risk of chronic diseases or genetically predisposed to certain diseases, the frequency of check-ups may be done twice a year or more frequently upon doctor’s recommendation. Especially after the age of 40, the risks of diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer increase, making regular check-ups highly beneficial. Colonoscopy checks are recommended by Gastroenterology for individuals over 45 years old. Mammography checks for breast cancer are recommended by the health ministry association for women over 40 years old. It is for early diagnosis and can be done at any age without a specific reason.

Frequently Asked Questions