Health screening is based on evidence-based medicine and includes a range of interventions.
1. Physical research
Blood pressure measurement
During the visit, the pressure is measured at least twice and the average value is determined.
After all, hypertension often has no symptoms, but is a key risk factor for stroke and heart attack. If there is a suspicion that the pressure may be elevated, they may prescribe:
- home blood pressure monitoring or
- daily monitoring.
This helps to make a more accurate diagnosis.
Assessment of heart rate and rhythm
The pulse and its rhythm are measured. This is necessary to detect arrhythmias that can lead to complications, including stroke.
Anthropometry
Body weight, height, waist circumference are measured. Body mass index (BMI) is determined. These indicators reflect the risks of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.
2. Risk Factor Assessment
A survey is being conducted regarding:
- smoking,
- alcohol consumption,
- level of physical activity,
- family history.
It is these factors that significantly affect the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and diabetes.
3. Symptom screening
The doctor clarifies the presence of symptoms that may indicate early signs of the disease.
4. Conducting a questionnaire and applying a special risk scale
Standardized questionnaires are used during screening:
- SCORE2 and SCORE2-OP — assessment of the risk of cardiovascular events.
- FINDRISC — determines the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
- PHQ-9 — helps identify signs of depression.
- GAD-7 — assesses the level of anxiety.
- AUDIT-C — detects risky alcohol use.
5. Laboratory studies
Screening includes important tests:
- Lipid profile – to assess the risk of atherosclerosis.
- Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) – shows the average glucose level over 3 months, detects prediabetes and diabetes.
According to indications:
- Electrolytes (sodium, potassium) – to assess kidney and heart function.
- Creatinine and eGFR determine the condition of the kidneys.
- Urine albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR) is an early detection of kidney damage.
These studies allow us to see changes that a person does not experience, but which significantly increase the risks of disease.
6. Preventive counseling
After all examinations, the doctor, together with the patient, forms a personal plan:
- how to improve nutrition,
- which physical activity to choose,
- how to control stress,
- how to quit smoking or drinking alcohol,
- how to reduce body weight.
7. Routing and documentation
If a violation or high risk is detected, the doctor generates an electronic referral to the appropriate specialist. All health screening results are entered into the electronic healthcare system.