Men Over 40 Panel

HbA1c provides a long-term view of blood sugar control, unlike fasting glucose which reflects a single point in time. It is essential for diabetes diagnosis and management. Consult your healthcare provider.

PSA is currently the most widely used blood marker for early detection of prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the Netherlands, and early detection significantly improves treatment options. However, an elevated PSA does not automatically mean cancer. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which is common in men over 50, is the most frequent cause of mildly elevated PSA. Prostate inflammation (prostatitis) can also raise the value considerably. Even temporary factors such as cycling, ejaculation shortly before the test, or a digital rectal exam can influence PSA. The value of PSA lies particularly in its trend over time. A gradually rising PSA across multiple measurements (PSA velocity) can be more clinically relevant than a single elevated value. If a result is notable, a doctor will usually recommend further investigation, such as an MRI or biopsy.

A high ALT value can have different causes, from viral hepatitis (such as hepatitis B) to fatty liver. Doctors often look at AST and ALT together, and sometimes at gamma-GT, to get a broader view. A slightly raised value usually means something different from a strongly raised value. An abnormal value on its own does not confirm a diagnosis. Your GP can help you decide whether further steps are needed. If your ALT value is too high, this can have different causes and does not automatically mean something serious is going on. Your GP can help you decide whether further steps are needed.

TSH is often used as a first test to see how the thyroid is functioning. A value within the normal range is generally considered reassuring, while a high-normal or unusual value may be a reason to look further. An underactive thyroid, for example, can go together with a higher TSH. Your GP can place your TSH result in context and decide with you whether further testing is needed. In some cases the GP refers to an internist-endocrinologist. Sometimes it is enough to check less often.

A raised triglyceride level may contribute to atherosclerosis and is one part of metabolic syndrome. These fats are often elevated together with insulin resistance, so your GP looks at the wider picture rather than this single value. A raised level may increase the risk of heart and vascular disease, especially alongside an unfavourable total cholesterol. For that reason it is often interpreted together with your <a href="/en/biomarkers/total-cholesterol">total cholesterol</a>, your <a href="/en/biomarkers/hdl-cholesterol">HDL cholesterol</a>, and your <a href="/en/biomarkers/ldl-cholesterol">LDL cholesterol</a>. Together these values give a fuller view of your heart health. The type of fat matters too: saturated fat can affect your values unfavourably, while unsaturated fat from sources such as oily fish may be more favourable. Some medications, such as certain diuretics or beta blockers, can also play a role. Discuss with your GP what your values mean in your situation.

Creatinine is central to checking the health of your kidneys. It is used to calculate your estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). The eGFR is the main measure for staging chronic kidney disease. Spotting a rising creatinine level early can lead to timely action. That can help slow down kidney damage. Monitoring creatinine also matters when adjusting medication doses, because your kidneys clear many medicines. The amount of creatinine in your blood can rise for various reasons. Examples include dehydration, intense exercise, or reduced kidney function. Your GP can help determine what applies in your situation. Every blood test result includes a professional assessment from a BIG-registered doctor. For treatment decisions, discuss your results with your GP.

Free T4 may help your healthcare provider determine whether your thyroid gland is producing adequate hormone levels. Some experts consider it one of the most informative markers for detecting both overactive and underactive thyroid conditions early.

LDL cholesterol is the best-established modifiable risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Every 1 mmol/L reduction in LDL reduces the risk of a cardiovascular event by approximately 20–25%. This effect is independent of how the reduction is achieved — through diet, exercise, or medication. In familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) — a hereditary condition affecting approximately 1 in 250 people — LDL is elevated from a young age, significantly increasing the risk of early cardiovascular disease. Early detection and treatment are crucial.

SHBG levels may help explain symptoms related to hormone imbalances even when total hormone levels appear normal. Understanding SHBG can provide a more complete picture of hormonal health. Consult your healthcare provider to interpret results.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the Netherlands. Elevated cholesterol — particularly LDL — is one of the best-established risk factors. The process of atherosclerosis progresses gradually over decades and causes no symptoms for a long time, until a heart attack or stroke occurs. The cholesterol level does not stand alone. Cardiovascular risk is determined by the interplay of cholesterol, blood pressure, age, smoking, diabetes, and family history. A cholesterol of 6.0 mmol/L in an otherwise healthy 30-year-old has a different meaning than the same value in a 60-year-old smoker with diabetes. Early detection and treatment of elevated cholesterol — through lifestyle and medication if needed — can significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Adequate vitamin D levels are essential for strong bones, a well-functioning immune system, and overall well-being. Low levels may be associated with an increased risk of bone disorders, mood changes, and weakened immunity. Consult your healthcare provider for personalised advice.

Free testosterone drives muscle development, energy levels, mood, and sexual function. Even when total testosterone appears normal, low free testosterone could suggest functional deficiency. Discussing your results with a healthcare provider may help identify whether further evaluation is warranted.

Testosterone plays a fundamental role in many bodily functions for both sexes. Imbalances could potentially affect energy, mood, body composition, and reproductive health. Your healthcare provider can help evaluate your levels in the context of your overall health.

Even mildly elevated hs-CRP may be associated with increased cardiovascular risk. It provides important information beyond traditional cholesterol testing for heart disease risk assessment. Consult your healthcare provider.

HDL has an active protective function: it removes excess cholesterol from vessel walls and transports it to the liver. This process is called reverse cholesterol transport and counteracts atherosclerosis. Low HDL is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease, even when LDL is normal. Low HDL is often seen with metabolic risk factors: overweight, lack of exercise, smoking, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes. It is therefore a marker of overall metabolic health.