The Ultimate Health Assessment that is Changing Preventive Care for Under 40s

Posted in , by Echelon Health

In today’s fast-paced world, it is easy for young adults to assume that feeling fit and healthy means they are in the clear when it comes to their health. After all, preventive health assessments are typically associated with people in their 40s, 50s and beyond. However, the reality is that this mindset could be putting an entire generation at risk.

Research shows that more than one in three British adults are already living with two or more chronic health conditions by middle age, and serious health issues are now affecting those under 40 far more frequently than many realise.

A Wake-Up Call: The Health Conditions Affecting Under-40s

Research shows that heart disease, which is often associated with older age, is on the rise among younger adults. In the UK, hospital admissions for coronary heart disease among younger people aged 15–40 have risen by 7.2% since 2012, and in the US, a post-COVID study has revealed that heart attack rates in adults aged 25–44 have surged by more than 30% over the past decade.

Studies also reveal that type 2 diabetes, once considered rare in this age group, is now diagnosed in nearly 1 in 10 adults aged 25–39, who face a higher risk of complications compared to those diagnosed in later life.​ Alarmingly, over the past 10 years, cancer rates in young adults have also seen a steady rise worldwide, with the most significant increases in colorectal and breast cancers.

Despite these concerning trends in the rise of chronic diseases among younger people, they are not offered a routine under-40s health check in the UK. Aimed at closing this gap, the Under 40s Ultimate provides vital health measurements and advice to support long-term wellbeing.

Bridging the Preventive Care Gap for Younger Adults

Despite mounting evidence of rising health risks in younger adults, individuals under 40 are rarely offered routine health assessments unless they exhibit symptoms or have a known family history of illness. This reactive approach creates a significant gap in care, limiting opportunities for early detection, timely intervention and long-term prevention.

Prioritising Prevention Over Treatment

To address this critical shortfall, the world’s leading provider of preventative health assessments, Echelon Health, has introduced the Under 40’s Ultimate Health Assessment — a pioneering, proactive health screening designed specifically for adults under the age of 40. This comprehensive assessment combines advanced imaging technology, in-depth blood analysis for over 40 parameters and expert clinical insight to provide a holistic view of an individual’s current health status.

By shifting the focus from treatment to prevention, this comprehensive health assessment empowers younger adults to take control of their health and make informed decisions long before symptoms appear.

Current Shortfall in Preventive Health Checks for Adults Under 40

Preventive healthcare has traditionally focused on individuals aged 40 to 74, under the assumption that younger adults face a lower risk for chronic diseases. This is exemplified by the NHS Health Check programme in the UK, which invites adults within this age bracket for screenings related to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, kidney disease and stroke, every 5 years. Consequently, adults under 40 are often overlooked in preventive care initiatives, missing critical opportunities for early diagnosis and intervention.​

The Importance of Early Detection in Young Adults

For many young adults, the idea of undergoing a health check-up may feel unnecessary, especially if they are active, symptom-free and generally fit and well. However, many serious health conditions, including high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers, often develop without any noticeable symptoms in the early stages.

Prevention Saves Lives

Regular preventive health assessments are essential because they allow for the early detection of these silent but potentially life-altering conditions. Early intervention can significantly reduce the risk of disease progression, complications, surgery and even premature death.

Reversing the Clock

For example, identifying an elevated cholesterol level or blood pressure in your 20s or 30s can lead to simple lifestyle changes or treatments that drastically reduce the risk of cardiovascular events later in life. Similarly, with certain conditions, such as early detection of type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, offers a crucial window of opportunity. Research shows that with timely intervention, including diet, exercise, and weight management, it is often possible to not only manage but even reverse the progression of the disease in its early stages.

The NHS Health Check is designed to assess your cardiovascular health and identify early signs of heart disease, stroke, and related conditions — but it won't carry out or detect the silent risk factors or early-stage diseases that require more advanced imaging and in-depth analysis, such as dementia.

A Smart Investment in Long-Term Health

Beyond identifying specific conditions, routine preventative health assessments encourage a broader shift toward proactive health management. They are a smart investment in long-term health, particularly for young adults who are at a higher risk of certain conditions and want to take proactive control of their future well-being.

The Gold Standard in Preventive Health for Under 40s

Echelon Health has identified and responded to this critical gap in modern preventive healthcare by introducing a comprehensive Under 40s Ultimate Health Assessment tailored specifically to individuals under the age of 40.

This advanced, gold-standard assessment is designed for men and women under 40 who have a family history of serious illness, have particular concerns, or simply desire to take control of their overall health through early detection and intervention.

The Under 40s Ultimate Health Assessment combines over 30 years of clinical expertise with the most advanced diagnostic imaging technologies and blood testing available, offering peace of mind and unmatched accuracy.

What Sets It Apart

The Under 40s Ultimate Health Assessment is the most comprehensive preventive health check currently available for individuals under 40. It utilises a combination of MRI, Ultrasound, ECG, and over 40 blood markers to provide an in-depth analysis of the body’s major systems and potential risk areas. The process is supported by a team of specialist radiologists and senior clinicians, ensuring every result is reviewed and interpreted at the highest level of expertise.

Excellence in Every Detail

At ​Echelon Health, we are proud to be renowned for delivering exceptional preventive health assessments, combining cutting-edge medical technology with outstanding client care. Our Under 40s Ultimate Health Assessment provides clients with exclusive access to a private suite throughout the day – an elegant and tranquil space designed for patient comfort, meticulously furnished by renowned designer David Linley in a refined art deco style.

This unwavering commitment to excellence ensures that clients benefit not only from the most advanced and comprehensive health assessments available but also from an experience defined by discretion, comfort and sophistication.

What is Included in the Under 40s Ultimate Health Assessment

The Under 40s Ultimate Health Assessment offers an unparalleled level of insight into your current health and well-being. This comprehensive assessment includes the following:

1. Pre-Assessment and Medical History

A detailed medical questionnaire is completed and reviewed in advance by an experienced physician to establish health history, lifestyle factors and individual risk profiles.

2. Extensive Blood Tests

A comprehensive range of over 40 key parameters is tested to detect early signs of both common and serious health conditions, including:

  • Anaemia, infection and clotting disorders
  • Liver, kidney and thyroid function
  • Vitamin D and testosterone levels
  • Diabetes, high cholesterol and salt imbalances
  • Cancer markers for breast, ovarian, prostate, leukaemia and myeloma
  • Menopause staging (women) and hypogonadism (men)

3. Advanced Imaging and Diagnostic Tests

  • MRI Brain Scan: Identifies tumours or abnormalities, including in the sinuses and inner ear.
  • MRI Cerebral & Carotid Artery Angiograms: Assess for narrowing or malformations in arteries supplying the brain.
  • MRI Prostate (Men): Combined with a PSA blood test for accurate prostate cancer screening.
  • MRI Abdomen & Pelvis: Screens for abnormalities or tumours in major organs, including liver, kidneys, adrenal glands and lymph nodes.
  • Ultrasound Scans: Thyroid, ovaries/testes, and breasts (women) to detect nodules, cysts, or tumours.
  • Electrocardiogram (ECG): Assesses heart rhythm and electrical activity.
  • Full Body Mole Screen: Early detection of skin cancer.
  • Home Stool Test (Q-FIT): Offers 92% accuracy for identifying early signs of colon cancer.

4. Final Consultation

Once all scans and test results are completed, they are reviewed by specialist radiologists and discussed with the client during a one-to-one consultation with a senior Echelon Health doctor. This ensures clarity, understanding and a clear roadmap for any necessary next steps.

Invest in Your Health Before Symptoms Appear

The most effective form of healthcare is prevention. The Under 40s Ultimate Health Assessment is designed for those who want clarity, confidence and control over their general health and well-being. With world-class diagnostics, expert clinical insight, and a truly personalised experience, it sets a new benchmark in preventive care for a younger generation.

Making World-Class Preventive Healthcare More Accessible

We believe that first-class healthcare should be within reach for everyone. That is why we offer flexible payment options across all our private Health Assessment Packages – including the Under 40s Ultimate – making it easier for you to spread the cost and take control of your health.

How to Book Your Assessment

Booking your assessment with us couldn’t be easier.

  • Explore Our Services: Visit our website to learn more about our comprehensive range of private Health Assessments tailored to different life stages and health goals.
  • Contact Us Today: Message us on WhatsApp to request more information or arrange a confidential consultation with our Head of Private Clients.
  • Personalised Support: Our expert team is here to answer your questions, guide you through the booking process and help you take proactive steps toward a healthier future.

Stay Informed

Tune into our Wealth of Health podcast on YouTube and Spotify for expert insights on preventive health care and optimising long-term wellbeing.

Sources:

https://cls.ucl.ac.uk/over-a-third-of-adults-have-multiple-health-problems-in-midlife

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-57982476

https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/statistics-on-public-health/2023/part-1-hospital-admissions

https://oxfordbrc.nihr.ac.uk/modest-increase-in-heart-attack-hospitalisation-rates-after-years-of-decline

https://www.cedars-sinai.org/newsroom/today-young-people-are-more-likely-to-die-of-heart-attacks-post-covid-study-finds-but-why

https://www.bmj.com/content/379/bmj-2022-072385

https://www.bbc.co.uk/future/article/20241004-the-puzzle-of-rising-early-onset-breast-and-colorectal-cancer-in-younger-people

https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/national-diabetes-audit-yt2/young-people-with-type-2-diabetes-2021-22#:~:text=Key%20findings%20and%20recommendations,-Key%20finding%201&text=There%20were%20139%2C255%20people%20under,40%20and%2079%20years%20old

https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/health-professional/cancer-statistics/incidence/age

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/nhs-health-check

https://www.england.nhs.uk/diabetes/treatment-care/diabetes-remission/#:~:text=The%20Diabetes%20UK%2Dfunded%20’DiRECT’%20trial%20saw%20almost,put%20their%20type%202%20diabetes%20into%20remission

https://www.thetimes.com/static/medical-fitness-check-over-40-early-detection-echelon-health

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