Understanding Your Cardiovascular Risk Assessment

What Is a Cardiovascular Risk Assessment?

A cardiovascular risk assessment is a systematic evaluation that helps determine your likelihood of developing heart disease or experiencing a cardiac event in the next 5-10 years.

Key Components

1. Personal Health Information

• Age and gender
• Family history of heart disease
• Current medical conditions
• Smoking status

2. Physical Measurements

• Blood pressure readings
• Body Mass Index (BMI)
• Waist circumference

3. Laboratory Tests

• Cholesterol levels (Total, HDL, LDL)
• Triglycerides
• Blood glucose levels
• HbA1c (if diabetic)

Risk Factors

Modifiable Risk Factors

• High blood pressure (>130/80 mmHg)
• Elevated cholesterol
• Smoking
• Physical inactivity
• Obesity
• Unhealthy diet

Non-modifiable Risk Factors

• Age
• Gender
• Family history
• Ethnicity

Understanding Your Results

Risk Categories

• Low Risk (<10% 10-year risk)
• Intermediate Risk (10-20% 10-year risk)
• High Risk (>20% 10-year risk)

Next Steps

Based on your risk assessment, your healthcare provider will recommend:

• Lifestyle modifications
• Preventive medications if needed
• Follow-up testing schedule
• Referrals to specialists if required