As men age, they face an increased risk of developing serious but often silent conditions such as heart disease, prostate issues, and testosterone deficiency. Dr David Chan, GP specialising in Men's Health at New Victoria Hospital, highlights the importance of regular health checks to help prevent long-term health problems and gain peace of mind. In this article, we look at the key warning signs to watch out for and discuss how taking proactive steps today can support better health tomorrow.

The importance of regular health checks for men

You might wonder whether a health check is necessary when you feel fit and well. Yet several serious conditions, such as high cholesterol and prediabetes, often show no early symptoms and can only be detected with a blood test. Likewise, high blood pressure can go unnoticed until it has already caused significant damage to your body, including the heart, brain, kidneys, and eyes. Unfortunately, still too often, these conditions are only picked up in more advanced stages, typically when symptoms become noticeable enough to prompt a visit to the GP.

Gents, it is time for a wake-up call: research shows that men are falling behind when it comes to booking timely doctor’s appointments and health check-ups. This reluctance can result in conditions being detected later and ultimately lead to poorer health outcomes.

Keep your engine running smoothly as you age

Think of a health check as your body’s MOT. Blood tests for cholesterol and HbA1c, along with weight, height, and blood pressure assessments, are like diagnostic scans for your internal systems and can reveal if you are at risk of major breakdowns, such as heart attacks, strokes, peripheral artery disease and diabetes.

Here is a sobering stat: in the UK, women are outlasting men on life’s racetrack by nearly four years. But it’s not just about distance – it’s about quality of life. As men age, they’re more likely to develop serious illnesses like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, raised cholesterol, chronic liver disease and certain cancers. The odds of a breakdown increase if these issues run in your family’s fleet.

Keep an eye on your dashboard warning light: high blood pressure, or hypertension! This silent troublemaker is one of the major risk factors for heart attacks and strokes, making regular monitoring essential. This is particularly important given that cardiovascular diseases account for a significant number of deaths, affecting 1 in 14 women and nearly twice that number for men, with a risk of 1 in 8. That is a crash statistic you do not want to be part of!

If you experience symptoms such as chest pain, heart palpitations, dizziness, or shortness of breath, do not try to walk it off! It is crucial to get this investigated urgently and to see your GP. Any chest pain that worsens when you are active could be a sign of a blocked coronary artery that could lead to a fatal heart attack.

You should immediately call 999 for help if you experience persistent or worsening central chest pain that feels like someone is sitting on your chest, or the pain radiates to your left arm or jaw, as this could be a sign of a heart attack.

Prostate health: what every man should know

Prostate health becomes increasingly important with age, with benign prostatic hyperplasia or hypertrophy (BPH) and prostate cancer being key concerns. BPH, a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate, can lead to symptoms such as frequent urination and difficulty emptying the bladder. Although BPH does not increase your risk of prostate cancer, the symptoms can overlap, so it is important to pay attention to any changes.

The warning signs of prostate cancer include:

• Blood in urine or semen
• Increased need to urinate, especially at night
• A sudden need to urinate – you may sometimes leak urine before you get to the toilet
• Urinary incontinence
• Difficulty passing urine or starting to urinate
• Feeling the bladder is not completely empty after finishing
• A weak flow when you urinate
• Dribbling urine after you finish urinating
• Lower back, hip, or pelvis pain
• Unexplained weight loss
• Problems getting or keeping an erection

If you notice any of these symptoms, book an appointment with your GP as soon as possible. Regular prostate checks can help detect changes early, enabling timely and effective care.

Understanding testosterone deficiency

From around the age of 30-40, testosterone levels in men gradually decline by about 1–2% per year, and this is sometimes referred to as andropause. While this change is normal and often subtle, and does not compare to menopause, for some men, it can lead to noticeable symptoms that impact daily life and wellbeing. These can include:

• Low libido (sex drive)
• Erectile dysfunction (impotence)
• Mood swings and irritability
• Loss of muscle mass and reduced ability to exercise
• Redistribution of body fat, such as developing “man boobs” or an increased belly
• A general lack of enthusiasm, energy, or vitality
• Difficulty sleeping or insomnia
• Poor concentration and short memory

A simple blood test, available at New Victoria Hospital and best performed in the morning, can assess your testosterone levels and identify any deficiency.

It is worth noting that lifestyle factors such as stress, poor diet, lack of exercise, and insufficient sleep, can also cause or worsen these issues. Physical health conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes are additional contributors, as are psychological factors with pressures from work, finances, and family responsibilities.

A comprehensive health check can help pinpoint the underlying causes, allowing for early intervention where needed.

Bowel cancer risk is higher in men

With bowel cancer being more common in men, this is another area that deserves your attention. In the UK, incidence rates are approximately 26% higher in men than in women. However, with participation rates being 16% lower among men, they are more likely to experience later-stage diagnoses and have lower survival rates.

Symptoms such as bleeding, changes in bowel habits, or persistent abdominal discomfort should not be ignored. Having these symptoms does not always mean you have bowel cancer, but it is still important to find out what is causing them by speaking to a GP. Seeking advice can lead to timely care and better treatment outcomes.

A faecal immunochemical test (FIT), included in the Well Man Health Check at New Victoria Hospital, is used to detect hidden blood in your stool, which can indicate cancerous changes. The FIT test also aids in identifying polyps – non-cancerous growths in the bowel that can be removed before they have the chance to develop into bowel cancer. You will receive the home test kit on the day of your health check appointment.

Well Man: a comprehensive health check for men

Having explored the most common health concerns that men should be particularly mindful of, we hope you feel motivated to take a more proactive approach to your health. But where to begin, you may ask? Taking that first step towards better health doesn’t have to be daunting. At New Victoria Hospital, our Private GP Service offers the Well Man Health Check, specifically tailored to meet men’s health needs, providing a thorough overview of your health and highlighting any areas of concern.

Our Well Man Health Check includes:

• 30-minute appointment with a GP
• FIT (faecal immunochemical test) pack given and blood tests conducted during the appointment
• Option to discuss and add extra blood tests or further investigations (additional cost)
• Follow-up consultation via telephone or video call
• Written summary, including a cardiovascular risk score and "heart age" evaluation
• Review of medical history
• Physical Examinations:
  • Height, weight, BMI, blood pressure, pulse, and oxygen levels
  • Heart, lungs, abdomen, ears, nose, and throat examination
  • Testicular and prostate examination
• Blood Tests:
  • Full blood count
  • Liver function
  • Kidney function
  • Full lipid screen
  • Diabetes test
  • Gout test
  • PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) test
  • Testosterone blood test for those interested in assessing hormonal health (additional cost)

Alongside health checks, our Private GP Service also offers standard GP appointments, allowing you to discuss any health concerns at a consultation length that suits you. Appointments can be booked online or by calling the Hospital to speak with a member of our team.

Your health is your most valuable asset. Do not wait until symptoms appear to take action. Be proactive and schedule your Well Man Health Check today to stay on top of your health.

To book, please call 020 8949 9640 or use our online booking system.