was wird beim check-up ab 50 gemacht — which blood markers matter?

The standard health check-up for people over 50 (technically from age 35, every three years) in Germany includes a medical history, physical exam, blood pressure measurement, and blood and urine tests. The key blood markers are: fasting glucose (or HbA1c) for early diabetes detection, total cholesterol, LDL and HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides to assess cardiovascular risk. A urine test for protein, glucose, and blood is also part of the routine. A complete blood count, liver and kidney function (creatinine, GFR, ALT), and TSH are not mandatory but are often added. It is important to note that this check-up is a screening tool, not a diagnostic workup. It does not cover micronutrients such as vitamin D, B12, or ferritin – these require separate testing if deficiency is suspected. Inflammatory markers like hs-CRP or homocysteine are also not standard. The evidence for the check-up's benefit is moderate; it can detect risk factors early but may also lead to overdiagnosis. Individual risk factors (family history, pre-existing conditions) should be discussed with a physician to determine appropriate additional tests.