Health check-up

Lisa Vogel studied departmental journalism with a focus on medicine and biosciences at Ansbach University and deepened her journalistic knowledge in the master's degree in multimedia information and communication. This was followed by a traineeship in the editorial team. Since September 2020 she has been writing as a freelance journalist for

More posts by Lisa Vogel All content is checked by medical journalists.

The health check-up is a preventive medical check-up in which the doctor checks whether certain common illnesses or health risks and previous burdens are present.

These include diabetes, high blood pressure or kidney problems, among others. In this way diseases can be avoided or identified and treated as early as possible. Read here which examinations you can expect at the health check, when the examination is due and who will carry it out.

What is a health check-up?

The health check-up is an important preventive medical check-up for men and women. It is used to detect diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus or heart problems at an early stage. The health check also offers space for medical advice on topics such as family history and other health risks. The general practitioner or an internist will carry out the health check-up.

When can I have a health check-up?

Between the ages of 18 and 34, the health insurance company pays the costs for a one-time health check. Everyone over 35 is entitled to a check-up every three years. All examinations are free of charge for the patient.

Which examinations take place during the check-up?

At the beginning of the health check-up, the doctor asks the patient about their previous illnesses and illnesses that occur in their family. The main focus is on common diseases such as

• high blood pressure
• increased fat levels in the blood
• Diabetes mellitus
• Coronary heart disease
• Arterial Disease
• Kidney disease
• Lung disease
• cancer

In this way, the doctor determines the patient's individual disease risk profile and assesses the personal risk.

In addition to the medical history, the doctor checks the patient's lifestyle. He measures body weight and height, asks the patient questions about his nicotine, alcohol and drug consumption and determines whether he is getting enough exercise. It also records the patient's psychological state.

Physical examination

The questioning is followed by a physical examination. The doctor first examines the chest and listens to the heart, lungs and carotid artery. The doctor typically measures the pulse on the foot. He also examines the posture and inspects the skin. A check of the reflexes provides information about possible damage to the nerves. The function of the sensory organs is also checked.

Blood pressure measurement

A blood pressure measurement is part of the health check. The doctor determines the systolic and diastolic blood pressure. An optimal blood pressure is 120/80 mmHg (millimeters of mercury), up to 129/84 the value is still normal. From 140/90 onwards, there is increased blood pressure (hypertension).

You can find more information in the article Measuring blood pressure.

Blood sample (blood lipid levels, fasting blood sugar)

If there is a justified risk based on family history, overweight or high blood pressure, the doctor will take a blood sample during the health check. A laboratory examines the blood and determines the cholesterol levels (total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides).

You can read what the values ​​mean in the article Cholesterol values.

In addition to the blood lipid values, the fasting blood sugar level is determined from the blood sample. Fasting blood sugar is below 100 mg / dl in people with a healthy metabolism. If it is higher, this can be an indication of diabetes mellitus.

Vaccination status

At every health check-up, the doctor checks the patient's vaccination status. To do this, he needs the yellow vaccination certificate. A booster vaccination may be required.

You can find out when which vaccination needs to be refreshed in the vaccination calendar.

The check-up 35

Check-up 35 is the start of the regular health checks. The preventive medical check-up should now be carried out every three years.

In addition, the urine test is performed in the health check from 35: The doctor examines a urine sample from the patient with a urine strip for traces of proteins, glucose, red and white blood cells and nitrite. The test provides information about the health of the kidneys, bladder, ureters and urethra.

Men aged 65 and over

From the age of 65, the health check includes a one-time aortic aneurysm screening [Link]. The doctor uses an ultrasound device to examine the blood vessels in the abdomen in order to identify possible bulges at an early stage.

Tags:  elderly care Diseases tcm