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Tests

Screening Tests and Immunization Schedule for Men (Ages 50 and Older)​

Tests/ImmunizationsAges 50 and Older
General examYearly. (Some studies have found that regular annual check-ups do not bring clear health benefits to the population as a whole, but doctors still recommend them, especially for those over 50.)
Thyroid (TSH) testEvery five years.
Blood pressure measurementAt least every two years if you have normal blood pressure; at least once per year if it is elevated or if you are at increased risk for heart disease and stroke (such as from smoking or diabetes).
Cholesterol testGet this checked regularly; discuss with clinician, as professional recommendations vary about how often.
Bone density screenDiscuss with clinician if you are at increased risk because of previous bone fractures or other factors; not recommended for other men.
Diabetes screeningDiscuss with clinician if you have risk factors for diabetes, if your blood pressure is higher than 135/80, or if you use medication to control your blood pressure.
Digital rectal examOnce a year, during a regular physical exam.
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testDiscuss with clinician.
Sexually transmitted infection (STI) testsBoth partners should be tested for STIs and HIV before initiating intercourse.
Mental health screeningDiscuss with clinician.
Colorectal screeningBefore age 75, use one of these three methods: (1) fecal occult blood test annually; (2) flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years; (3) colonoscopy every 10 years. After age 75, discuss with clinician.
Complete eye examUntil age 54, every two to four years; from 55 to 64, every one to three years; after 65, every one to two years; or as advised by a clinician.
Hearing testDiscuss with clinician.
Mole examHave this done during your routine physical or separately by a dermatologist.
Dental exam and cleaningRoutinely; discuss frequency with dentist.
Influenza vaccineYearly.
Pneumonia vaccineOne time only, at age 65.
Tetanus-diphtheria (Td) or tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap) boosterGet a Td booster every 10 years; substitute a Tdap booster if you are under 65 and never had one before; if you are over 65 get one booster shot of Tdap.
Herpes zoster vaccine for shinglesOnce only at age 60 or later; discuss with clinician.

Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.

Lipid Profile Tests​

  • Fasting lipid profile test (full lipid profile or lipoprotein analysis) - every 5 years
    • Total cholesterol
    • LDL cholesterol
    • HDL cholesterol
    • Triglycerides

Cholesterol Guidelines​

Total Cholesterol​

Level (mg/dL)Category
<200Desirable
200-239Borderline high
≥240High

LDL Cholesterol​

Level (mg/dL)Category
<100Optimal
100-129Near optimal/above optimal
130-159Borderline high
160-189High
≥190Very high

HDL Cholesterol​

Level (mg/dL)Category
<40Low
≥60Optimal

Triglycerides​

Level (mg/dL)Category
<150Normal
150-199Borderline high
200-499High
≥500Very high

Source: National Cholesterol Education Program

Blood Pressure Guidelines​

The guidelines listed in this table are for adults ages 18 and older, based on the average of two or more seated blood pressure readings on each of two or more office visits.

CategorySystolic Blood Pressure (mm/Hg)Diastolic Blood Pressure (mm/Hg)
Normal<120<80
Prehypertension120-13980-89
Stage 1 hypertension140-15990-99
Stage 2 hypertension≥160≥100

Other Important Tests​