WHO SHOULD BE TESTED?

Meet John, Carol, Brian and Jennifer

John is 48, overweight by about 20kgs and has a BMI of 30. He does not smoke, does a moderate amount of exercise and his diet is more based on what he feels like eating, or more to the point, what his wife cooks. His cholesterol level is higher than where it should be and his blood pressure has been creeping up.
Does he need to be tested?
Absolutely

Carol is 54 has been taking medications for high blood pressure since she was 44. She is married, works 20 hours a week, the kids are in their mid 20s and are totally independent. She is menopausal, understands the impact on her body and mood swings.
Does she need to be tested?
Absolutely

Brian is 68, retired, slim and has had minimal health issues. By all accounts, he appears to be a healthy 68 year old. He exercises by walking about 1 hour most days, enjoys time with his grandchildren and, with his wife of 33 years, has a fairly active social life going to the bowling club on Wednesday s and golf on Fridays. He is starting to feel tired and blaming his age. He catches up with his old workmates about once a month.
Does he need to be tested?
Absolutely

Jennifer is 43, very active going to the gym 3 times a week. She has not had any blood pressure or cholesterol issues and by all standards, she appears to be “healthy”. There is some history of medical conditions in the family (her father died of a heart attack at 59).
Does she need to be tested?
Absolutely