By MediTic IPS on
Preventive checkups: why get your health checked before you have symptoms
Some common conditions, like high blood pressure, may not cause symptoms. Here's what WHO says about risk factors and what a preventive checkup is for.
Many people only see a doctor when something hurts or feels off. But some common conditions, like high blood pressure, may not cause any symptoms. A preventive checkup is a chance to learn how your health is doing, spot risk factors and make informed decisions with a health care provider before problems show up.
Chronic diseases: a public health challenge
Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), also known as chronic diseases, tend to be long-lasting. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the main types are cardiovascular diseases (such as heart attacks and stroke), cancers, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes.
WHO estimates that NCDs killed at least 43 million people in 2021, equivalent to 75% of non-pandemic-related deaths worldwide. Both WHO and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) state that detection, screening and treatment of these diseases, along with palliative care, are key components of the response.
Risk factors worth knowing
WHO identifies four behavioral risk factors that raise the risk of developing an NCD:
- Tobacco use, including exposure to secondhand smoke.
- An unhealthy diet with too much salt, sugar and fat.
- Harmful use of alcohol.
- Not getting enough physical activity.
According to the same source, these behaviors contribute to four metabolic changes that also increase risk:
- High blood pressure.
- Overweight and obesity.
- High blood sugar (glucose).
- Abnormal levels of fats (lipids) in the blood.
Some of these factors can be changed through everyday habits. Others, like your age or your family health history, can't be changed, but they still matter when assessing your health.
No symptoms doesn't always mean no risk
High blood pressure is a good example. WHO notes that most people with hypertension don't feel any symptoms and that the only way to detect it is to have a health professional measure your blood pressure. An estimated 600 million adults with hypertension worldwide (44%) are unaware they have it. Having your blood pressure measured is quick and painless, and even though you can check it yourself with an automated device, WHO says an evaluation by a health professional is important to assess your risk and related conditions.
If hypertension isn't treated, it can lead to other health conditions such as kidney disease, heart disease and stroke. WHO also notes that lifestyle changes like eating a healthier diet, quitting tobacco and being more active can help lower blood pressure.
What a preventive checkup is (and isn't)
MedlinePlus, the health information service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, explains that regular checkups are different from visits for an illness or injury: they include a physical exam and preventive care, which may include:
- Screening tests, which check for diseases early, when they may be easier to treat.
- Vaccines, which help prevent disease.
- Education and counseling to help you make informed decisions about your diet, physical activity and use of alcohol, tobacco or other substances.
A checkup is not a fixed list of tests that works for everyone. Which screenings make sense depends on your age, sex, overall health, family health history and specific risks. That's why what someone else was told to do may not apply to you: your provider is the one who, after getting to know you, can guide which tests fit your situation.
In Colombia, the Ministry of Health and Social Protection describes a comprehensive care pathway for health promotion and maintenance (Ruta Integral de Atención para la Promoción y Mantenimiento de la Salud). It lists as required services for the entire population a comprehensive health assessment, early detection of health changes, specific protection and health education.
How to get the most out of your checkup
MedlinePlus suggests a few things to do before your appointment:
- Review your family health history.
- Find out whether you're due for any screenings or vaccines.
- Make a list of concerns and questions.
- Bring a list of the medicines, vitamins and supplements you take.
During the visit, be honest about your habits. As MedlinePlus puts it, don't just say what you think your provider wants to hear: they need to know what is really going on in order to guide you.
Take the first step
If it's been a while since your last checkup, you can request a general medicine appointment at MediTic IPS to talk with a provider about your history, your habits and the next steps that make sense for you. When you make your request, you can ask which visit formats are available.
Sources
- Noncommunicable diseases — World Health Organization, fact sheet updated September 25, 2025.
- Hypertension — World Health Organization, fact sheet updated September 25, 2025.
- Noncommunicable Diseases — Pan American Health Organization.
- Health Checkup — MedlinePlus.
- Talking With Your Doctor — MedlinePlus.
- Rutas integrales de atención en salud - RIAS — Colombian Ministry of Health and Social Protection (in Spanish).
This content is for informational purposes only and does not replace a visit with a health care provider.
