Screening for health of every woman - Part two

High blood pressure (hypertension)

Chances to have elevated blood pressure are associated with certain risk factors such as age, weight and lifestyle. High blood pressure usually does not give symptoms but can lead to serious complications such as heart disease, stroke and kidney damage. High blood pressure can and should be treated early, thus preventing negative consequences.

Testing for high blood pressure

Blood pressure is expressed with two values. The first value is called systolic pressure. It is the pressure of blood on the wall of the arteries when the heart pumps blood to the arterial tree. The second value is called diastolic pressure. It is the pressure of blood against the artery wall between two heartbeats. The normal blood pressure in adults is considered a pressure of 120/80 mmHg and high pressure is considered over 140/90 mmHg (millimetres of mercury NB). How often should blood pressure be measured enviable of risk factors you have.

Cholesterol levels in the blood

High levels of so-called bad cholesterol (“LDL” cholesterol) are one of the major risk factors that accelerate the process of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a process of accumulation of fatty deposits on the walls of the arteries that leads to narrowing and hardening them. This process can be advancing for years without any symptoms and eventually be the reason for the occurrence of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease, heart attack or stroke. Other risk factors for atherosclerosis process high blood pressure, diabetes and smoking. For prevention of these kind of diseases, lifestyle changes are recommended and if necessary taking certain medications.

Determination the level of cholesterol in your blood

To determine the level of fat in the blood you need to go to the examination with empty stomach. It is determined the levels of total cholesterol, LDL (the so-called " bad ") cholesterol, HDL (so-called " good ") cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. Depending on the results it is determine the next steps. It is recommended checking the levels of fat in the blood at least once every five years if the last test results were within the limits of normal.

Diabetes (Diabetes mellitus) type 2

Undetected and untreated diabetes (diabetes mellitus) leads to a wide range of adverse complications such as heart attack, kidney disease, stroke, nerve damage, blindness and more. If detected early, diabetes can be controlled, and thus to avoid the consequences.

Testing for diabetes (diabetes mellitus) type 2

Determine the level of glucose in the blood and go to the examination with empty stomach is mostly used screening test for diabetes. If you are healthy and have no risk factors for diabetes you should be examined the blood glucose at least once every three years after 45 years of age. If however you have any of the risk factors and or suffer from other diseases the examining of the level of blood glucose should start early and do it more often.

Skin Cancer

On the skin may occur several types of cancer? Malignant melanoma is the most dangerous. It is a cancer that arises from melanocytes, cells that produces skin pigment. The risk of disease increases with excessive sun exposure. Early detection and early treatment are of course very important for a successful outcome of the battle with this insidious disease. Apart from malignant melanoma, other common types of skin cancer are basal - cell carcinoma and plate - cell carcinoma.

Screening for skin cancer

We recommend regular self-examinations of the skin, especially monitoring of naevi (stains), their size, colour and shape. Also, examination of the skin by a dermatologist or other physician should be part of regular checkups and screenings for cancer.