Top Health Checkups Every Man Needs by Age 40 to Stay Ahead of Hidden Risks

Hitting 40 is a milestone, and not just for the obvious reasons. Your body starts to change in ways you might not notice at first—but those subtle shifts can set the stage for serious health issues down the line.

Most men don’t schedule regular health checkups until something feels off. That approach leaves a lot of problems undetected until they become emergencies. Taking control now means catching risks early and avoiding complications later.

A few smart screenings and tests at this age can give you peace of mind and a clear picture of your health. Knowing what to check—and when—makes all the difference.

Let’s look at the health exams every man should prioritize by his 40th birthday.

1. Blood Pressure and Heart Health Screening

High blood pressure often sneaks under the radar with no symptoms, yet it’s a major factor in heart disease and stroke. By age 40, it’s essential to get your blood pressure measured regularly.

Beyond a simple reading, your doctor may also recommend an electrocardiogram (ECG) to assess your heart’s electrical activity. If you have a family history of heart disease or other risk factors like smoking or obesity, a cholesterol panel and blood sugar test will help reveal hidden problems.

Monitoring your heart health early means you can take steps to reduce risks—through lifestyle changes, medication, or both—before complications arise.

2. Blood Tests to Check Cholesterol, Blood Sugar, and Liver Function

Men over 40 are more prone to developing elevated cholesterol and insulin resistance, conditions that silently damage blood vessels and organs.

Getting a lipid profile test tells you your levels of LDL (bad cholesterol), HDL (good cholesterol), and triglycerides. Abnormal results can signal a higher risk for heart attack or stroke.

A fasting blood glucose test or HbA1c gives insight into your blood sugar control and diabetes risk. Diabetes, if unmanaged, affects everything from your eyes to your kidneys.

Since the liver processes many toxins, a liver function panel is useful to detect early damage—especially if you drink alcohol regularly or take medications. Regular blood work keeps your internal chemistry in check and points to any developing problems that need action.

3. Prostate Screening and Urinary Health Assessment

The prostate gland grows naturally with age, and by 40, subtle issues may begin that impact urinary flow and sexual function.

Men should discuss prostate screening with their doctors, including a digital rectal exam (DRE) to feel for abnormalities and a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test to detect early signs of prostate disease.

Early detection is vital because prostate problems range from benign enlargement to cancer, and treatment options vary widely depending on the stage.

In addition, reporting symptoms like frequent nighttime urination, weak urine flow, or pelvic discomfort can lead to early interventions that improve quality of life.

4. Colon Cancer Screening

Colorectal cancer risk rises with age, and early screening saves lives. For men turning 40, especially those with a family history, doctors may recommend starting colon cancer screening.

Options include fecal occult blood tests (FOBT) to detect hidden blood in stool, or more comprehensive tests like colonoscopy, which visualizes the entire colon and removes precancerous growths. Regular screening catches problems before they turn into cancer or detects cancer early when it’s easier to treat.

ALSO READ: 5 Habits That Increase Your Chances of Stomach Cancer

5. Eye Exam and Hearing Test

Vision and hearing can start declining subtly by age 40, and many men ignore these changes until they affect daily life.

An eye exam checks for conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, and age-related macular degeneration—all manageable if caught early.

Similarly, a hearing test identifies hearing loss caused by noise exposure or age, allowing you to take protective measures or use hearing aids if necessary.

Healthy eyes and ears keep you connected and safe, so don’t skip these routine exams.

6. Skin Check for Abnormal Moles and Lesions

Men are at risk for skin cancer, especially those who spend a lot of time outdoors or have a history of sunburns.

A dermatologist or trained healthcare provider should examine your skin for suspicious moles, discolorations, or new growths. Early removal of precancerous spots prevents dangerous skin cancers like melanoma, which can be deadly if left untreated.

ALSO READ: Early Signs of Prostate Problems in Men Most Guys Miss (Until It’s Too Late)

7. Mental Health and Stress Evaluation

Mental health is just as important as physical health but is often overlooked by men. By 40, life pressures, work stress, and personal challenges can affect mood, sleep, and overall well-being.

Doctors may screen for depression, anxiety, and stress-related disorders, helping you find resources or treatment before symptoms worsen. Taking mental health seriously boosts resilience and quality of life.

8. Bone Density and Muscle Mass Assessment

Bone loss starts earlier than many expect. Men who ignore bone health risk fractures and osteoporosis as they age.

A bone density scan (DEXA) can measure bone strength, especially if you have risk factors like smoking, low testosterone, or previous fractures.

Muscle mass tends to decline with age too. Monitoring your muscle health and working on strength training keeps you functional and less prone to injury.

ALSO READ: Early Signs of Prostate Problems and Prevention Tips