Free tests for men aged 40–49 in Lithuania

Who qualifies, and for what

The main free check available to men aged 40 to 49 in Lithuania is the cardiovascular disease prevention programme (Širdies ir kraujagyslių ligų prevencinė programa), which men can join from the age of 40. It is funded by the National Health Insurance Fund (Valstybinė ligonių kasa, VLK — the body that administers compulsory health insurance in Lithuania) and it is arranged through your family doctor (šeimos gydytojas — the general practitioner you are registered with, and the first point of contact in the Lithuanian health system). This page covers men aged 40 to 49; the programme as a whole is for men and women from 40 to 60 years of age inclusive.

Within the programme, the tests below are free of charge for men aged 40 to 60 when they are arranged by the family doctor. For them to be free, you need to attend a healthcare institution that has a contract with the health insurance fund.

What the programme includes

• An assessment of risk factors by the family doctor (šeimos gydytojas)
• A blood glucose concentration test
• A blood cholesterol concentration test
• A blood triglyceride concentration test
• An electrocardiogram (ECG; in Lithuanian elektrokardiograma, EKG)
• Other tests that help establish whether a person belongs to the high-risk group
• Drawing up an individual cardiovascular disease prevention plan, if needed
• A referral to specialised centres if very high risk is identified

How to get it

• Contact your own family doctor (šeimos gydytojas)
• The doctor checks your health and whether your age puts you in the programme
• Attend a healthcare institution that has a contract with the health insurance fund, so that the tests are free of charge

Other tests often discussed with a doctor

Liver function and kidney function tests, and a testosterone test, are often discussed as well. A doctor orders them when there is a medical reason to — for example if you have symptoms or particular risk factors.

• ALT — a liver enzyme. A raised level can be a sign that the liver is under strain — from alcohol, excess weight or medicines; it is worth discussing with a doctor if you have symptoms or risk factors.
• Creatinine — helps assess kidney function. Kidney function can get worse without you feeling any symptoms, so a doctor may order this test for people at risk of diabetes or high blood pressure, or with a family history of them.
• Testosterone — discussed with a doctor if there are symptoms such as fatigue, reduced libido or changes in muscle mass. It is not a routine test for all men in this age group.

Why the programme starts at 40 for men

From the age of 40 the risk of cardiovascular disease and of type 2 diabetes rises noticeably in men, which is why VLK funds the cardiovascular disease prevention programme for this age group. The family doctor assesses the risk factors — glucose, the cholesterol fractions, triglycerides, the ECG — and, if needed, draws up an individual prevention plan or refers the patient to a specialist. Cholesterol and glucose tests show whether there is a problem with the fats in your blood or a raised blood sugar level, but the result of a single test does not reflect overall cardiovascular risk: the doctor assesses that together with blood pressure, weight, smoking habits and family history.

Liver enzyme tests (ALT, AST) can show that the liver is under strain, for example from alcohol, excess weight or medicines, while creatinine reflects kidney function, which can deteriorate without any symptoms being felt. These tests cannot establish a specific diagnosis on their own — a result outside the reference range is grounds for further assessment by a doctor, and a normal result does not mean that risk factors will not appear in the future. In this age group a testosterone test is discussed only where there are specific symptoms, such as fatigue or reduced libido, rather than as a routine check for everyone.

When not to wait for a scheduled check

Contact a doctor without waiting for a scheduled appointment if you notice any of the following. In Lithuania the emergency number is 112.

• Pressure or pain in the chest, or shortness of breath — get help immediately, without waiting for a scheduled check. Call 112.
• Severe fatigue, frequent thirst, frequent urination or unexplained weight loss — worth discussing with a doctor as soon as possible.
• Swelling, dark urine, or yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes (jaundice) — contact a doctor without waiting for a routine visit.
• A family history of early cardiovascular disease — worth discussing a prevention plan with your family doctor (šeimos gydytojas) earlier than the programme provides for.