Men’s Health: What Every Man Should Check by Age 40
Turning 40 is a milestone. It’s when metabolism starts to shift, muscles take a bit longer to recover, and late-night pizzas might suddenly lead to heartburn. But beyond the surface changes, the body begins sending more subtle signals that shouldn't be ignored.
By age 40, prevention becomes just as important as performance. Regular checkups and screenings help catch silent issues before they become loud problems. And the numbers are clear: according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), men are less likely than women to visit doctors, especially for preventive care — often delaying treatment until a condition becomes serious.
Here’s a breakdown of what every man should be checking as he enters his 40s, and why it's the decade that sets the tone for long-term health.
🩺 1. Blood Pressure: The Silent Striker
High blood pressure, or hypertension, often has no symptoms — yet it quietly damages arteries, increasing the risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease.
🔎 What to do:
Get blood pressure checked at least once a year. Normal readings are under 120/80 mmHg.
📊 A study from the American Heart Association found that nearly one in two adults in the U.S. has elevated blood pressure, and many are unaware of it.
Even mild changes matter, especially in midlife. Lifestyle adjustments and early monitoring can keep it under control.
🧠 2. Mental Health: Stress Isn’t Just in Your Head
Anxiety, burnout, and depression don’t always show up as sadness. In men, signs may include irritability, fatigue, or even physical aches. The 40s can be a high-pressure period — balancing careers, family, and financial responsibilities.
🧠 Why it matters:
Unchecked stress can affect heart health, sleep, and even testosterone levels. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, men are less likely to talk about emotional health but are more likely to face consequences when untreated.
💡 Activities like mindfulness, outdoor hobbies, and regular social interaction can reduce the impact of stress on the body and mind.
🫀 3. Cholesterol Levels: Clarity Inside the Arteries
Cholesterol isn’t all bad — the body needs it to build cells. But when “bad” LDL cholesterol builds up, it narrows arteries and raises the risk of cardiovascular issues.
🩸 Recommended checks:
Start regular cholesterol screening in your 40s, especially if there's a family history of heart disease or if lifestyle factors (like diet and exercise) have been inconsistent.
📈 The National Cholesterol Education Program highlights that changes in cholesterol levels often begin around age 40 — earlier detection can delay complications.
🩻 4. Blood Sugar: More Than Just a Sweet Tooth Problem
Prediabetes often creeps in during the 40s. Without obvious symptoms, rising blood sugar levels can slowly damage nerves, eyes, and kidneys.
🧪 What to monitor:
A fasting blood glucose test or A1C test can help assess blood sugar trends.
🧾 The American Diabetes Association reports that over 96 million adults in the U.S. have prediabetes — and many don’t know it.
🧃 Reducing sugary drinks, increasing fiber intake, and adding physical activity can reverse early warning signs.
🍽️ 5. Weight and Waist: Not Just a Vanity Metric
While weight alone doesn't tell the full story, carrying excess fat around the abdomen increases the risk of chronic conditions, including cardiovascular disease and insulin resistance.
📏 What to focus on:
Waist circumference. It’s a better indicator of health risk than BMI alone. For men, a waist size over 40 inches is often associated with higher health concerns.
🤸 Even modest physical activity — such as brisk walking or resistance exercises — can make a big difference in energy levels and metabolic health.
🧬 6. Prostate Health: Know the Basics
Prostate concerns often don’t show up until later years, but awareness starts now. The prostate tends to enlarge with age, which may lead to urinary issues.
🧫 When to act:
If there’s a family history of prostate conditions or if urinary symptoms like frequent urination or weak flow arise, screening may be recommended earlier.
🧪 Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood tests and digital rectal exams are common tools doctors use to monitor prostate health.
👁️ 7. Vision and Hearing: The Overlooked Senses
Vision can subtly decline after 40 — especially when it comes to focusing on nearby objects (presbyopia). Likewise, gradual hearing loss often goes unnoticed until it impacts conversations or work.
👓 Good habits:
Get a comprehensive eye exam every two years
Consider annual hearing checks if symptoms emerge
👂 According to the Hearing Loss Association of America, one in three people over 65 experiences hearing loss — but the slow decline can begin much earlier.
🧴 8. Skin Checks: Don’t Ignore What You See
Skin changes — like new moles, spots, or patches — should never be brushed off. Melanoma, a dangerous form of skin cancer, can develop quickly but is highly treatable when caught early.
☀️ Protect and inspect:
Use sun protection
Monitor skin monthly for changes
Consider an annual dermatology visit if at higher risk (due to fair skin, sun exposure, or family history)
📌 The Skin Cancer Foundation notes that men over 50 have a higher risk of developing melanoma than the general population.
📍 Prevention Beats Repair
Turning 40 is more than just blowing out extra candles. It’s the start of a new phase where smart health choices carry extra weight — literally and figuratively.
By staying proactive, understanding the body’s quiet cues, and committing to small but meaningful checks, long-term health can remain strong and steady. These aren’t just boxes to tick — they’re building blocks for a healthier future.