A few simple checks — blood pressure, blood sugar, haemoglobin and weight — catch the most common serious conditions in India long before they cause symptoms.
Key points
- Blood pressure — at least once a year from age 30
- Blood sugar — from age 30, or earlier if you have risk factors
- Haemoglobin — especially for women, adolescents and during pregnancy
- Weight and waist size — track waist, not just weight
- Discuss cancer screening with your doctor as you get older
In more detail
Most of the conditions that cause serious illness in India — high blood pressure, diabetes, anaemia — produce no symptoms for years. Feeling fine is not evidence that everything is fine, which is the entire reason routine checks exist.
Blood pressure is the single most valuable check. It takes two minutes, costs almost nothing, and high readings are both common and treatable. Have it checked at least yearly from age 30.
Blood sugar should be checked from around age 30 in India, and earlier if you have a family history, a large waist, high blood pressure or a history of diabetes in pregnancy. Indians develop diabetes younger and at lower body weight than many other populations.
Haemoglobin matters most for women who are having periods, for teenagers and in pregnancy, because low iron is so common in all three.
Waist size tracks health risk better than weight alone. Fat around the abdomen is more strongly linked to diabetes and heart disease than overall body weight.
As you get older, discuss cancer screening with your doctor — which screens apply depends on your age, sex, family history and personal risk, so this is a conversation rather than a fixed list.
Avoid buying large 'full body' test packages without advice. Many of the tests in them are unnecessary, and abnormal results in low-risk people frequently lead to more tests and anxiety rather than better health.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age should I start getting health checkups?
Blood pressure and blood sugar checks are generally sensible from around age 30 in India, and earlier if you have a family history or other risk factors. Children and adolescents have their own separate schedule.
Are full body checkup packages worth it?
Often not. They include many tests that are not useful for a person without symptoms, and abnormal-but-harmless results commonly lead to further testing and worry. Ask a doctor which tests are actually relevant to you.