Essential Preventive Health Tests: Take Control of Your Health Beyond Annual Checkups
ABSTRACT
Discover the essential preventive health tests that can help you take control of your well-being and prevent diseases like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Learn how to advocate for comprehensive health screenings beyond standard annual exams, understand critical blood tests, and map out a proactive approach to your health.
Keywords
Preventive health tests
Comprehensive health screening
Disease prevention tests
Essential medical tests
Cardiovascular health tests
Cancer preventive tests
Diabetes-related tests
Hormonal health tests
Gut health tests
Blood tests for health
Health advocacy with doctors
Early detection tests
Heart disease prevention
Genetic testing
Blood sugar monitoring
Women's health tests
Men's health tests
Vitamin D deficiency test
Heavy metals testing
Take ownership of your health
Must-have medical tests
Understanding lab results
Beyond annual checkups
How to request medical tests
Essential health assessments
Blood Tests / Photo: Kaboompics.com
Introduction
While humanity isn’t armed with the power to prevent all diseases, you can access disease-prevention tests that will paint a picture of health and help you develop an approach to minimize or eliminate heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and more. No test paints the complete picture of your health, though. You won’t find the answers in the limited tests that general practitioners offer during annual exams either. We are complicated beings, and we require signals from more than one test. Do you think your heart is safe by only checking your triglyceride, LDL, and HDL levels? Unfortunately, not. The Apo (B) and Lipo (a) blood tests are stronger signals of what’s being carried in your arteries and what’s sticking. The basic tests don’t reflect the whole picture of any part of your health, and it’s time to include additional signals.
True health success requires asking your doctor for the needed tests first. The results will help you map your health. It is essential to advocate for yourself and explain your desire to explore every angle of your health. Worst case scenario, many labs, like Quest Diagnostics, offer premium services to 100s of blood tests. After months of research, I’ve highlighted a strong list below. Need more convincing? I highly suggest reading or listening to the recommended books at the bottom. They will provide the in-depth rationale and more to finally take ownership of your health. I’ve also included the checklist of tests without the descriptions towards the bottom.
Notes: This list undeniably doesn’t cover all health conditions. It generally covers the diseases we’re most prone to as a population. Certainly, discuss other tests related to your personal and family histories with your doctor. Also, no single number will define the status of a condition. Be sure to take multiple tests to identify any trends or anomalies. Finally, please note that this list is evolving, and I plan to adapt as needed.
List of tests
Body Composition Analysis and TESTS
InBody Scan — A non-invasive body composition analysis that measures your body's weight, muscle, fat, and water. The scan provides a detailed report that includes weight, total skeletal muscle mass, total body fat, total body water, and segmental muscle and fat analysis.
Prenuvo Whole Body MRI Scans — Prenuvo whole-body MRI scans are advanced diagnostic imaging procedures designed to provide detailed insights into a person's overall health. They use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology to create high-resolution images of internal structures without radiation or invasive methods. Prenuvo scans are often marketed as a proactive health assessment tool, aiming to detect potential health issues early, even before symptoms appear. Designed to detect early signs of over 500 conditions, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and neurological disorders. It also identifies abnormalities like tumors, cysts, inflammation, or structural changes.
Gut Health and Sensitivity TESTS
GI-MAP Test — The GI-MAP (Gastrointestinal Microbial Assay Plus) test is a noninvasive stool analysis that evaluates gut health. It analyzes your stool sample to assess your gut's levels and types of bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi. It also measures proteins linked to digestive and immune health and can signal your liver health.
Allergy Test — Allergy tests identify substances called allergens that cause allergic reactions. A trained allergist places a small amount of an allergen on the skin and then pricks it so it goes under the skin. A red bump or hive will appear within 15–20 minutes if you're allergic. Skin tests are the preferred method and are usually the most accurate.
CANCER PREVENTIVE TESTS
Colonoscopy Procedure (Early Colon Cancer Prevention) — A medical procedure that allows a doctor to examine the inside of the colon and rectum using a colonoscope, a long, flexible tube with a camera and light. For earliest detection, begin testing at 40 (earlier than the recommended age of 45).
Breast Ultrasound (Early Breast Cancer Prevention) — A non-invasive imaging test that uses sound waves to create pictures of the inside of the breast. It can help a doctor determine if a benign lump or breast cancer causes a change in the breast. For earliest detection, begin testing at 30 (earlier than the recommended age of 40). While a mammogram tests for breast cancer, an ultrasound is more comprehensive.
Genetic Test — A medical procedure that analyzes a person's DNA to identify changes in their genes, chromosomes, or proteins. Genetic testing can help determine if a person has a genetic condition or is at risk of developing one in the future. It can also help guide medical care decisions, such as treatment and prevention strategies.
CARDIOVASCULAR HeALTH-RELATED TESTS
Triglycerides Blood Test — Triglycerides are fat in a person’s blood and many foods. Recent research suggests that if a person’s blood level of triglycerides is borderline high (between 150 mg/dL and 199 mg/dL) or high (between 200 mg/dL and 499 mg/dL), they may have an increased risk of developing heart disease. A triglyceride level that is 150 mg/dL or higher is also one of the risk factors for metabolic syndrome. Triglyceride levels of 500 mg/dL or higher may need to be lowered with medication to stop the pancreas from becoming inflamed.
HDL Cholesterol Blood Test — High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol is commonly called "good" cholesterol. Unlike other cholesterol levels, the HDL cholesterol test result is best if it is high. Elevated HDL cholesterol is associated with a decreased risk of heart disease. A low HDL cholesterol level can be associated with an increased risk for heart disease. Genetic factors or conditions, including liver disease, malnutrition, or hyperthyroidism, may decrease HDL cholesterol levels. Smoking and drinking alcohol may also reduce your HDL cholesterol level.
LDL-Cholesterol Blood Test — Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is considered "bad" cholesterol. Elevated LDL cholesterol is associated with an increased risk of heart disease. LDL cholesterol often increases with a diet high in cholesterol and saturated fats. Many people's LDL cholesterol is based on heredity. Lifestyle choices, including diet and many medications, effectively lower the LDL cholesterol level.
NON-HDL Cholesterol Blood Test — Non-HDL cholesterol is an essential measure of heart disease risk that has a stronger relationship with heart disease than any other individual lipid measurement. Doctors use it primarily as a secondary target. Specifically, if triglycerides are more than 199 mg/dL after the LDL cholesterol goal is reached, the secondary goal for non-HDL cholesterol (total cholesterol – HDL cholesterol) is 30 mg/dL higher than the LDL cholesterol goal.
Apolipoprotein B Blood Test (ApoB) — Apolipoprotein B (ApoB) carries LDL cholesterol and other potentially harmful lipid particles around the body. It includes all cholesterol particles that can form plaque in your arteries and lead to cardiovascular disease. ApoB levels can identify the risk of cardiovascular disease, even if traditional LDL cholesterol levels are normal.
Homocysteine Blood Test — High homocysteine levels in the blood can damage the lining of the arteries and may make blood clot more quickly than it should. A homocysteine level in serum specimens above 11.4 umol/L is considered high for men. An elevated level of homocysteine may be associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and stroke. However, currently, there is scientific debate regarding homocysteine as a risk factor for CVD and stroke, and further research is needed. A diet low in vitamin B12 and/or folate (B9) and malnutrition can lead to an elevated level of homocysteine in the blood.
NMR Lipoprotein Fractionation Test — A nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) lipoprotein fractionation test measures the blood's number, size, and density of lipoproteins to assess cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. This test is more accurate than a standard lipid panel and can provide more detailed information about lipoproteins. Uses an NMR device in addition to a blood test.
Lipoprotein (a) Blood Test — Lp(a) is a large lipoprotein made by the liver. Lipoproteins are parcels made of fat and protein. Their job is to carry fats (lipids) around the body in the blood. LDL cholesterol (or "bad cholesterol") is also a lipoprotein. A high level of Lp(a) in the blood has now been identified as a risk factor for diseases of the heart and blood vessels - known as cardiovascular disease or CVD. It can cause atherosclerosis (furring up of arteries), heart attacks, strokes, aortic valve disease, and heart failure.
Hs-CRP Blood Test — This test measures low levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) in your blood to assess your risk of heart disease and stroke. CRP is a protein the liver produces in response to inflammation, injury, or infection. The hs-CRP test can detect inflammation conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or inflammatory bowel disease.
Type B LDL Blood Test (LDL Pattern B Test) — a blood test that measures the proportion of small, dense low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particles in your blood, indicating a higher risk of cardiovascular disease compared to having larger, less dense LDL particles (pattern A) which are considered more favorable; essentially, it identifies if a significant portion of your LDL cholesterol is made up of these smaller, denser particles, signifying a potential increased risk for heart disease.
CT Cardiac Scan — A cardiac computed tomography scan is a non-invasive imaging test that uses X-rays to create detailed pictures of the heart and its blood vessels, allowing doctors to assess for potential heart issues like blockages in the coronary arteries by taking multiple images from different angles, often with the aid of a contrast dye injected into the bloodstream to enhance visibility; this scan is performed by lying on a table that moves through a donut-shaped scanner while the machine synchronizes image capture with the patient's heartbeat to get the clearest possible pictures.
IMMUNE SYSTEM HeALTH-RELATED TESTS
White Blood Cell Count Blood Test — White blood cells (WBCs) protect the body. Each of the five varieties of WBCs plays a specific role in defending your body against illness or injury.
Red Blood Cell Count Blood Test — This is the actual number of RBCs per unit of blood. It is used to aid in the diagnosis of anemia or other conditions that affect red blood cells.
Hemoglobin Blood Test — Hemoglobin is an iron-containing protein found in red blood cells (RBCs), enabling the cells to carry oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood. Measuring hemoglobin gives a picture of the ability of the blood to carry oxygen to every cell of your body. A low hemoglobin level may indicate anemia. Hemoglobin increases with altitude adaptation. In general, women have lower hemoglobin values than men.
Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Blood Test — A blood test that detects the presence of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) in your blood. A positive result means you are currently infected with HBV and can spread it to others.
DIABETES-RELATED TESTS
Hemoglobin A1c Blood Test (HbA1c) — Hemoglobin A1c measures the average blood sugar (glucose) level for the past two to three months. The blood glucose level is tightly controlled by hormones, especially insulin, produced by the pancreas. High blood glucose is typically observed in individuals with uncontrolled or undiagnosed diabetes. In people with diabetes, insulin is either less effective or not produced in sufficient quantity, thus making it harder to manage the amount of sugar passing through the blood.
Fasting Insulin Test — The fasting insulin test determines the insulin levels in the body after fasting. Insulin is an anabolic hormone secreted by the beta cells of the pancreas. It regulates glucose uptake, the primary source of the body's energy, from the bloodstream to the cells. Any signals of insulin resistance might be connected to metabolic syndrome or diabetes.
HOMA-IR (Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance) Fasting Insulin Test — a blood test that measures insulin resistance by calculating a score based on your fasting blood glucose and fasting insulin levels, essentially indicating how effectively your body uses insulin; a higher score suggests greater insulin resistance, which can be a risk factor for type 2 diabetes and other metabolic issues.
Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) Device — A wearable device that measures and tracks blood sugar levels in real-time. It's best to test your favorite and new foods while experimenting with carb, fat, and protein combinations. I recommend testing right before your first bite, 30 minutes after your meal, and 75 minutes after your meal. You are testing meal and food choices and determining which will lead to blood sugar fluctuations and peaks and lows.
HORMONAL HEALTH-RELATED BLOOD TESTS
TSH W/REFLEX TO FT4 - TSH Blood Test — Refers to thyroid stimulating hormone. This hormone is produced in the pituitary gland and acts on the thyroid gland in the front of your neck. Here, it stimulates the production of thyroid hormones and their release into the blood. While high or low levels of TSH in the blood may indicate a thyroid disorder, additional tests may be ordered to understand the specific medical condition better. The blood tests that are most widely used to evaluate thyroid function include those that measure TSH, T4, T3, free T4, and thyroid antibody levels.
Women's Hormone Panel (Blood Test) —This female hormone panel measures follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol, total testosterone, unconjugated DHEA, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and prolactin levels in the blood.
Testosterone, Total, MS Blood Test — Testosterone is an androgen steroid hormone associated with developing sex characteristics, bone health, and sex drive. Androgens are sex hormones that signal the body to have “male” characteristics. In men, it plays a crucial role in the development of the male reproductive system that regulates sex drive and is essential for sperm production. Testosterone also promotes secondary sexual characteristics such as facial and chest hair, bone health, upper body muscle mass, and strength and regulates body fat distribution. It is primarily secreted from the testes. Low levels of testosterone are associated with aging and common medical conditions, including diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity. Abnormal testosterone levels in the blood may cause health and physical appearance changes. In females, higher than normal levels of total testosterone can lead to hyperandrogenism and can be related to PCOS. Hyperandrogenism is when there is too much of an androgen in the body and can cause issues like extra facial and body hair growth for women. Free Testosterone is a testosterone that is active and unbound to a protein (like SHBG or albumin). Bioavailable Testosterone is the sum of free testosterone and testosterone bound to albumin. Total Testosterone is the sum of all testosterone in the bloodstream.
PSA (Free and Total) Blood Test — The PSA test measures the level of prostate-specific antigen in a man’s blood.
OTHER BLOOD TESTS
Vitamin D,25-OH,TOTAL,IA Blood Test — The Vitamin D test measures the amount of 25-OH vitamin D in your blood, an indicator of the vitamin D level in your body. Vitamin D is an essential fat-soluble vitamin for adequately functioning your heart, blood vessels, insulin, and mood. Vitamin D also helps regulate calcium and phosphorus. These are essential nutrients for strong bones and healthy cells. Vitamin D can also help the immune system fight infections. You may have low levels if you don’t eat enough vitamin D or your body doesn’t make enough of it. Not having enough vitamin D can lead to bone pain, muscle weakness, or depression. Vitamin D deficiency can cause osteoporosis (bone thinning and weakness in adults) or rickets, a childhood bone disease. Your body makes vitamin D after direct exposure to sunlight. It then stores an inactive form of vitamin D in fat cells until needed. Your liver and kidneys change the inactive form of vitamin D into the active form (25-hydroxyvitamin D) your body needs. Vitamin D is naturally found in meat, seafood (trout and salmon), cod liver oil, or fortified dairy and plant-based milk products. It can also be found in supplement form.
Heavy Metals Panel (Venous) Blood Test — This blood test measures the levels of several potentially toxic heavy metals, like lead, mercury, arsenic, and cadmium, in a blood sample drawn from a vein (venous) to assess for potential heavy metal poisoning or exposure; essentially, it's a panel test that checks for multiple heavy metals in a single blood draw from a vein in the arm.
Uric Acid Blood Test — A uric acid test measures the amount of uric acid in your blood or urine. Uric acid is a waste product created when your body breaks down purines from dying cells and many foods and beverages. It contributes to gout.
Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase Blood Test (GGT) — GGT is an enzyme found throughout the body but mainly in the liver. A GGT test can help detect liver or bile duct disease, monitor alcohol use, and differentiate between liver or bile duct disorders and bone disease.
Source: Quest Diagnostics
BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS
Good Energy: The Surprising Connection Between Metabolism and Limitless Health by Dr. Casey Means is a unifying framework for understanding what causes symptoms and diseases and how to feel amazing now and in the future. It is the simple answer to achieving incredible health for ourselves, our children, our parents, and the planet.
Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity by Bill Gifford and Peter Attia — A groundbreaking manifesto on living better and longer that challenges the conventional medical thinking on aging and reveals a new approach to preventing chronic disease and extending long-term health from a visionary physician and leading longevity expert.
Quick Checklist of Tests
Body Composition Analysis/Tests
InBody Scan: Contact a local health office.
Prenuvo Whole Body MRI Scans: Contact Prenuvo for a location near you.
Gut Health and Sensitivity Tests
GI-MAP Test (Stool Analysis): See a nutritionist or contact an online service.
Allergy Skin Test: See an allergist.
Cancer Preventive Tests Every 5 Years
Colonoscopy Procedure (Early Colon Cancer Prevention): Request this test at age 40 (not 45).
Breast Ultrasound (Early Breast Cancer Prevention): Request this test at age 30 (not 40). An ultrasound is more conclusive than a mammogram, especially for women with dense breast tissue. For health insurance coverage, state your family or personal history.
Genetic Test: Contact 23 and Me or other online services. As technology evolves, more genetic results will become available.
Annual Cardiovascular-Related Tests
Triglycerides Blood Test
HDL Cholesterol Blood Test
LDL-Cholesterol Blood Test
NON-HDL Cholesterol Blood Test
Apolipoprotein B Blood Test (ApoB)
Homocysteine Blood Test
NMR Lipoprotein Fractionation Test
Lipoprotein (a) Blood Test: This test signals any genetic connection to your cardiovascular health. Once in a lifetime.
Hs-CRP Blood Test
Type B LDL Blood Test (LDL Pattern B Test)
CT Cardiac Scan: When requesting this test, reveal any personal or family heart disease history. If your health insurance doesn't cover it, clinics like Front Range Preventive Imaging in Boulder, Colorado, offer an option for $175. Ideally, take this test every 5 years.
Annual Immune System-Related Tests
White Blood Cell Count Blood Test
Red Blood Cell Count Blood Test
Hemoglobin Blood Test
Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Blood Test: Once in a lifetime.
Annual Diabetes-Related Tests
Hemoglobin A1c Blood Test (HbA1c)
Fasting Insulin Test
HOMA-IR (Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance) Fasting Insulin Test
Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) Device: Wear this device for at least two weeks and analyze your sensitivity to different foods. If your health insurance declines coverage, you can find an online service.
Annual Hormonal-Related Tests
TSH W/REFLEX TO FT4
Women's Hormone Panel (Blood Test)
Testosterone, Total, MS Blood Test
PSA (Free and Total) Blood Test
Other Annual Blood Tests
Vitamin D,25-OH,TOTAL,IA Blood Test
Heavy Metals Panel (Venous) Blood Test: For health insurance coverage, state your exposure to lead pipes.
Uric Acid Blood Test: If gout runs in your family, health insurance will cover this test.
Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase Blood Test (GGT)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: MICHAEL MOODY, PERSONAL TRAINER
As an author, a personal trainer in Denver, and podcast host, Michael Moody has helped personal training clients achieve new fitness heights and incredible weight loss transformations since 2005. He also produces the wellness podcast "The Elements of Being" and has been featured on NBC, WGN Radio, and PBS.
Michael offers personal training to Denver residents who want to meet at the 2460 W 26th Ave studio….or in their homes throughout LoHi (80206), LoDo (80202), RiNo (80216), Washington Park (80209), Cherry Creek (80206, 80209, 80243, 80246, 80231), and Highlands (80202, 80211, 80212). Michael also offers experiences with a personal trainer in Jefferson Park (80211) and Sloan's Lake (80204, 80212).
If you’re looking for a personal trainer who can curate a sustainable (and adaptable) routine based on your needs and wants, Michael is the experienced practitioner you’ve been looking for. Try personal training for a month…your body will thank you!
