Preventive Medicine: what is it and what’s it for?

The purpose of Preventive Medicine is to anticipate health problems before they arise or progress to more serious stages. Rather than focusing solely on treating disease, this specialty aims to identify risk factors, promote healthy habits and detect alterations early, thereby increasing the likelihood of effective intervention.

Discover what Preventive Medicine is and why it’s important for you.

Preventive Medicine: what is it?

Preventive Medicine is the branch of medicine dedicated to preventing disease and it is generally conducted by the General Practice / Family Medicine specialty. The main goal of this discipline is to reduce the risk of developing health problems by identifying personal, family-related and environmental risk factors early, and promoting a healthy lifestyle; this includes conducting the correct and necessary tests and screenings, as well as improving the management of pre-existing conditions. 

Unlike Curative Medicine, which focuses on treating an existing disease, Preventive Medicine aims to prevent disease from occurring, progressing or causing complications. This approach combines various strategies, including vaccination, screening, advice on healthy lifestyles, as well as regular health monitoring.

This includes measures such as vaccination, adopting a balanced diet, exercising regularly, sleeping well, giving up smoking and promoting healthy lifestyle habits. This discipline also involves preventive screening and tests, such as mammography, cervical smear tests or laboratory testing.

Preventive Medicine: what’s it for?

Preventive Medicine plays a vital role throughout our lives, enabling a more proactive approach to healthcare.

The principal goals include:
• Promoting healthy lifestyle habits;
• Reducing risk factors for chronic conditions;
• Detecting disorders in the early stages;
• Preventing complications from pre-existing conditions;
• Improving quality of life;
• Promoting healthy ageing;
• Supporting informed health choices.

Furthermore, Preventive Medicine helps tailor prevention strategies to factors such as age, gender, family history, medical history and lifestyle.

Types of preventive tests

Different types of preventive tests may be recommended depending on each person’s medical profile. These should always be conducted under the guidance of a healthcare professional. We list below some types of preventive tests:

Clinical testing

Laboratory tests help evaluate parameters such as cholesterol, blood glucose, kidney function, liver function and indicators of inflammation or infection. These are often used to identify metabolic changes and cardiovascular risk factors.

Cardiovascular screening

In addition to an analytical profile, cardiovascular screening includes exams such as electrocardiogram, echocardiogram and stress test, when clinically indicated. These exams help assess heart health and detect cardiovascular disorders early.

Imaging exams

Depending on the person’s age and risk factors, exams such as ultrasounds, X-rays or bone density scans may be recommended. These help analyse different organs and structures in the body.

Cancer screening

Cancer screening aims to detect certain types of cancer in the early stages, when the chances of successful treatment are higher. The most common types include mammography, PSA test and cervical cancer screening. 

Vaccination plan

A review of the National Vaccination Plan is part of the prevention of infectious diseases. Additional vaccinations or boosters may be recommended at certain stages of life. 
The National Vaccination Plan foresees vaccinations in childhood against hepatitis B, polio, various types of meningitis, diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, pneumonia, measles, rubella, mumps and, later, the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). 

Preventive Medicine: take care of your health with Joaquim Chaves Saúde

Preventive Medicine is one of the most effective tools to promote good health and reduce the impact of diseases throughout our lives. By adopting healthy habits, undergoing preventive tests and attending regular check-ups, it’s possible to identify risks early and take action before complications occur.

Joaquim Chaves Saúde features expert medical teams and complementary diagnostic measures that provide a comprehensive and personalised assessment of your health status. Schedule your appointment and discover how Preventive Medicine can help you take care of your future with more confidence and peace of mind.