The current healthcare approach centers around managing diseases, neglecting proactive measures until overt symptoms manifest and diseases start.
Recently, a reader in her 60s who found me in a discussion forum privately asked for my email. Intrigued, I shared it and waited to hear what she had to say. Her message was uplifting and heartwarming, making me reflect on the impact our content can have on readers. The most significant part of her message was, ‘Your story saved my life.’ Her feedback was priceless to me.
Curious to understand the story’s impact, I revisited the piece titled 9 Essential Biomarkers for Preventive Cardiometabolic Health, which I had written with great passion last year. In brief, it inspired her to discuss some health tests with her doctor, who then became proactive and ordered a comprehensive assessment. To her surprise, several biomarkers flagged issues, leading her doctor to refer her to specialists who addressed her condition in time.
This caring reader, a social worker, mentioned that my story focused primarily on cardiometabolic disorders. She wondered if I could write an article on the most important biomarkers people over 50 should be aware of and discuss with their GPs. Her goal was to create a seminar on this topic for the aging population in her community. I loved the idea and wanted to share a summary of what I prepared for her presentation.
For people aged 50 and above, regular monitoring of critical biomarkers is essential in the early detection of age-related diseases, managing existing conditions, and supporting overall health. These biomarkers provide a well-rounded view of critical health factors in older adults, facilitating early intervention and lifestyle adjustments that can significantly improve quality of life and longevity.
As you may know, the current healthcare approach predominantly centers around managing diseases. It usually neglects proactive measures until overt symptoms manifest and diseases start. This paradigm of disease management poses challenges to achieving a healthier population globally.
Regular health check-ups are vital in identifying potential risk factors and detecting early signs of chronic conditions causing millions of yearly deaths and sicknesses.
We don’t have to wait to be sick to check critical biomarkers. The earlier, the better. Proactive and transparent discussions with family doctors can lead to appropriate referrals to specialists for relevant tests encompassing critical aspects of cardiometabolic health. As technology advances, we can do some essential tests at our convenience.
Hundreds of biomarkers and associated tests are used to diagnose cardiometabolic disorders. The mechanisms underlying biomarkers can vary depending on the specific markers assessed. However, there are many health conditions beyond cardiometabolic disorders.
Here is the story that I wrote about the key biomarkers related to cardiometabolic disorders.
9 Essential Biomarkers for Preventive Cardiometabolic Health
The unvarnished reality is that if we fail to take personal responsibility, our health will not be a priority for…medium.com
I aim to raise awareness so my readers can have meaningful conversations with their family doctors. We must proactively monitor our health by discussing and requesting relevant tests for our biomarkers. This is part of our self-care and self-love.
In this post, I summarize the top 10 essential biomarkers at a high level. We don’t need to know scientific and technical details. However, we need to understand the importance of some critical tests and have helpful conversations with our family physicians, who can refer us to relevant specialists for better diagnosis or peace of mind.
Below, I offer a simplified summary of ten essential biomarkers that both men and women should ideally check every six months, along with reasons for their importance.
1 — Blood Glucose (Fasting Glucose and HbA1c)
Fasting glucose measures blood sugar levels after an overnight fast. HbA1c reflects average blood sugar levels over the past 2–3 months. Elevated blood glucose or HbA1c can signal prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, or an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Insulin sensitivity can decrease as people age, making blood sugar control more challenging. Monitoring this biomarker helps manage blood sugar levels and make lifestyle changes or begin treatments when needed. Besides, continuous glucose monitoring devices can be invaluable for finding an optimal eating regimen and managing blood glucose non-invasively for patients.
2 — Lipid Profile (Cholesterol Levels)
This important profile for the aging population includes LDL (low-density lipoprotein), HDL (high-density lipoprotein), and triglycerides, which provide insights into heart health. High LDL and triglyceride levels and low HDL levels are associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis, causes of heart attack or stroke. Maintaining a healthy lipid profile is critical as age is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, and elevated LDL-C levels might be silent until they cause serious problems. Recently, there have been even better tests like the Abnormal LPIR Score.
3 — Blood Pressure
Blood pressure measurement shows the force of blood against artery walls, recorded as systolic (pressure when the heart beats) and diastolic (pressure when the heart rests). Hypertension (high blood pressure) is a primary risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease. Blood vessels tend to lose elasticity with age, making it easier for blood pressure to increase. Regular monitoring can help manage blood pressure through lifestyle changes or medication. It is possible to do this at home with an affordable device under $150, as I do.
4 — Kidney Function Tests (Creatinine and eGFR)
Creatinine levels and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) measure kidney function and how well kidneys filter waste from the blood. Kidney function can decline with age, sometimes without noticeable symptoms. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is common in older adults and is associated with high blood pressure and diabetes. Early detection of impaired kidney function allows interventions to slow progression and prevent complications.
5 — C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
CRP is a protein produced by the liver in response to inflammation, and elevated levels can indicate inflammation in the body. Chronic inflammation is linked to many age-related diseases, including heart disease, arthritis, and diabetes. Monitoring CRP levels can help identify underlying inflammation early, allowing for interventions to reduce it through lifestyle changes, diet, or medication.
6 — Thyroid Function Tests (TSH, Free T3, Free T4)
These tests measure thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and the active thyroid hormones T3 and T4, which regulate metabolism, energy, and mood. Thyroid issues, including hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, become more common with age and can contribute to fatigue, weight gain, mood changes, and heart disease. Regular monitoring can help detect thyroid imbalances early, allowing treatment to effectively manage symptoms.
7 — Complete Blood Count (CBC)
CBC measures different blood components, including red blood cells, white blood cells, hemoglobin, and platelets. A CBC test can detect anemia, infections, and immune system disorders, all becoming more common with age. Low hemoglobin or red blood cell counts can indicate anemia, while abnormalities in white blood cells or platelets can signal underlying infections or other health issues. Regular CBC tests ensure blood health is monitored, providing an overview of immune function and general health.
8 — Liver Function Tests (ALT, AST, ALP, Bilirubin)
These blood tests assess liver enzymes and bilirubin levels, which indicate liver health. The liver plays a crucial role in detoxification and metabolism, but its function can be compromised by age, medications, or unhealthy lifestyle factors. Elevated enzyme levels may indicate liver disease, fatty liver, or other hepatic issues. Monitoring liver function is crucial for early intervention and maintaining overall health, particularly for those taking regular medications.
9 — Vitamin D
A blood test measures the vitamin D level, essential for bone health, immune function, and muscle strength. Vitamin D deficiency becomes more common with age, as skin synthesis declines, and it can contribute to osteoporosis, fractures, and weaker immune defenses. Regular checks help ensure optimal vitamin D levels, vital for maintaining bone density and reducing fall risk.
10. Bone Density (DEXA Scan)
While not a blood test, a DEXA (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) scan is critical for assessing bone mineral density, particularly in postmenopausal women and men over 65. Osteoporosis and osteopenia are common with aging and significantly increase the risk of fractures. A DEXA scan can detect early bone loss, allowing for interventions like weight-bearing exercises, calcium and vitamin D supplementation, or medications that strengthen bones and reduce fracture risk. Despite its cost, I use a DEXA scan every 6 months, as it also helps with understanding fat percentage and muscle composition.
Conclusions and Key Takeaways
To facilitate a healthier and longer lifespan, it is imperative to extend the onset of diseases before they occur rather than merely elongating the duration of disease periods after they have manifested. Until this fundamental shift occurs, we must shoulder personal responsibility for implementing preventative measures.
By monitoring these ten biomarkers, people over 50 can better manage their health and reduce the risk of developing chronic conditions. A proactive approach with regular check-ups and lifestyle adjustments can contribute significantly to healthy aging.
Family doctors usually ask their patients to do these tests annually, but some may need them more frequently. We are all different; therefore, an individualized healthcare approach is critical.
Based on my intensive research and personal interest, I wrote many stories about various health conditions for awareness purposes and mentioned the importance of checking biomarkers for all of them. I link those stories for those who might have missed them before.
ALS, Metabolic Syndrome, Type II Diabetes, Fatty Liver Disease, Heart Disease, Strokes, Obesity, Liver Cancer, Colorectal Cancer, Autoimmune Disorders, Homocysteine, Lungs Health, Pancreas Health, Kidneys Health, NCDs, Infectious Diseases, Brain Health, Dementia, Depression, Brain Atrophy, Neonatal Disorders, Skin Health, Dental Health, Bone Health, Leaky Gut, Leaky Brain, Brain Fog, Chronic Inflammation, Insulin Resistance, Elevated Cortisol, Leptin Resistance, Anabolic Resistance, Cholesterol, High Triglycerides, Metabolic Disorders, Gastrointestinal Disorders, Thyroid Disorders, Anemia, Dysautonomia, cardiac output, and urinary track disorders, STIs,Inferior Heel Pain,Purpura, Petechiae
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A Quick Update on My Recent Book Projects
To support the writing community and help them gain a competitive advantage in the market, I recently authored a book titled Substack Mastery, which is now available in popular online bookstores. It was well received by readers and now it trends as a best-selling book in its categories.
Here is the universal link to find it in different bookstores. The paperback of this book is available through Amazon or booksshop.org. The audio will soon be available in major outlets, and the first release can be purchased from Google Play.
I also published a new version of the Substack Mastery for busy people and explained the reasons in a new story.
How I Will Help Freelance Writers Save $600 by Condensing My Bestseller 5 Times for Them
Just like some prefer fatty cuts while others opt for lean, my goal is to cater to the unique needs of every reader.medium.com
I will continue beta reading for the next version, which is coming soon. So, if you enjoy reading and providing feedback, here are links to chapters for free:
Preface of “Substack Mastery” for Beta Readers, Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4, Chapter 5, Chapter 6, Chapter 7, Chapter 8, Chapter 9, Chapter 10, Chapter 11, Chapter 12, Chapter 13, Chapter 14, Chapter 15, Chapter 16, Chapter 17, Chapter 18, Chapter 19…
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