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 of Risk Assessment

1. Personal Factors

• Age and gender
• Family history of heart disease
• Ethnicity
• Medical history

2. Lifestyle Factors

• Smoking status
• Physical activity level
• Diet and nutrition
• Alcohol consumption

3. Clinical Measurements

• Blood pressure readings
• Body Mass Index (BMI)
• Waist circumference
• Cholesterol levels (LDL, HDL, Total)
• Blood glucose levels

Understanding Your Risk Score

Risk Categories:

• Low Risk: <10% chance of cardiovascular event in 10 years
• Moderate Risk: 10-20% chance
• High Risk: >20% chance

What Happens After Assessment?

Follow-up Actions:

1. Lifestyle modifications recommendations
2. Medication if necessary
3. Regular monitoring schedule
4. Specialist referrals if needed

Risk Modification Strategies

Controllable Factors:

• Blood pressure management
• Cholesterol control
• Weight management
• Smoking cessation
• Regular exercise
• Healthy diet

When to Seek Immediate Care

• Chest pain or pressure
• Shortness of breath
• Unexplained fatigue
• Irregular heartbeat
• Dizziness or fainting