Turning 40? The 7 Health Numbers Every Man Should Know

Turning 40 is a good time to take a closer look at your health. Work, family, and everyday responsibilities make check-ups easy to put off, yet some health changes develop quietly. Blood pressure can rise, cholesterol can build up, and blood sugar can creep upwards, all without obvious symptoms.

Knowing a few key numbers helps you understand what is happening inside your body. Important health tests for men give you a useful starting point for conversations with your GP, so you can tackle potential concerns before they become harder to manage.

Here are the seven health numbers every man should keep track of after turning 40.

7 Important Health Numbers Every Man Should Know After 40

Some measurements matter for almost everyone, while others become more important with age, family history, or existing health conditions. These seven numbers give you a practical overview of your health.

• Blood Pressure

Blood pressure measures the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries. High readings raise the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems. A healthy adult reading is generally around 120/80 mmHg, while a clinic reading of 140/90 mmHg or above usually counts as high. Regular checks matter because high blood pressure rarely causes symptoms.

• Total Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a fatty substance your body needs, but too much can build up as fatty deposits in your arteries. A healthy total cholesterol level is generally below 5 mmol/L. Keep an eye on your levels after 40, particularly if you smoke, have diabetes or have a family history of heart disease.

• HDL Cholesterol

High-density lipoprotein (HDL), often called good cholesterol, carries excess cholesterol back to the liver for disposal. For men, an HDL level above 1.0 mmol/L is generally healthy. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and not smoking all help raise HDL, and your GP will always look at it alongside your full cholesterol profile.

• Non-HDL Cholesterol

Non-HDL cholesterol covers the types of cholesterol that can clog your arteries. You calculate it by subtracting HDL from total cholesterol, and a level below 4 mmol/L is a good general target. Your GP considers it alongside your blood pressure, age, and medical history when assessing your heart health.

• Blood Sugar Levels

Blood glucose gives your body energy, but consistently high levels can signal type 2 diabetes. An HbA1c test measures your average blood sugar over the past two to three months.

• Below 42 mmol/mol: Normal range.

• 42 to 47 mmol/mol: Increased diabetes risk.

• 48 mmol/mol or above: Diabetes range, requiring clinical assessment.

If you are over 40, especially if you carry excess weight or have a family history of diabetes, ask your GP about a blood sugar test.

• Body Mass Index (BMI)

BMI compares your weight with your height to estimate weight-related health risks. The healthy range for adults is 18.5 to 24.9 kg/m². However, BMI does not measure body fat directly, and muscular men may score higher, so look at it alongside other health measures.

• Waist-to-Height Ratio

Your weight alone does not show where you store fat. Fat around your middle matters most, because it raises the risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Aim to keep your waist measurement below half your height, which means a waist-to-height ratio below 0.5. For example, a man who is 180cm tall should aim for a waist below 90cm.

These are general reference figures for adults, not personal treatment targets. Ask a healthcare professional to interpret your results in the context of your health, medical history and other risk factors.

What Health Checks Should Men Have After 40?

Turning 40 is a good time to arrange a general health review. In England, eligible adults aged 40 to 74 can access a free NHS Health Check that assesses heart health and the risk of conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, kidney disease and stroke.

Recommended health screenings for men include blood pressure, cholesterol and blood glucose tests, along with weight and waist measurements. You may need extra checks depending on your symptoms, family history and existing conditions.

Hair thinning often becomes more noticeable around this age too. Fylde Clinic can help you explore suitable hair loss tablets, with expert guidance on the right treatment for your needs.

Prostate health deserves attention too. The NHS does not offer routine PSA testing to everyone, but you can discuss its benefits and risks with your GP. Get any urinary changes or blood in your urine checked promptly.

How Often Should Men Check Their Health Numbers?

How often you need checks depends on your risk factors and previous results. Men with healthy readings may need less frequent monitoring than those with high blood pressure, raised cholesterol, or diabetes.

A few practical habits help you stay on top of your numbers:

• Blood pressure: Check periodically, particularly if previous readings were high.

• Cholesterol: Arrange testing as advised by a GP, especially with a family history of heart disease.

• Blood sugar: Discuss HbA1c testing if diabetes risk factors or symptoms are present.

• Weight and waist: Monitor changes and discuss unexpected increases with a healthcare professional.

Keep a record of your results so you can spot changes over time. One unusual reading does not always mean a problem, but discuss consistently abnormal results with your GP.

Final Thoughts

Turning 40 is a chance to take charge of your health and tackle potential concerns early. Blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, BMI and waist measurements all reveal how your body is doing.

Regular health checks, sensible lifestyle choices and professional advice help you make informed decisions about your long-term wellbeing, and these seven numbers are a practical place to start.

Looking after your health at 40 includes changes such as hair thinning. Fylde Clinic can talk you through your options for men's hair loss treatment and help you find the right support.