Understanding Your Cardiovascular Risk Assessment

What Is Cardiovascular Risk?

Cardiovascular risk refers to your likelihood of developing heart disease or experiencing a cardiac event like a heart attack or stroke. Understanding your risk factors helps you and your healthcare team make informed decisions about prevention and treatment.

Key Risk Factors

Non-modifiable Risk Factors

• Age (men ≥45, women ≥55)
• Family history of early heart disease
• Gender
• Ethnicity

Modifiable Risk Factors

• Blood pressure levels
• Cholesterol levels (LDL, HDL, triglycerides)
• Smoking status
• Physical activity level
• Body Mass Index (BMI)
• Diabetes management
• Diet and nutrition

Understanding Your Risk Score

Your doctor will calculate your risk score using validated tools such as:

• Framingham Risk Score
• ASCVD Risk Calculator
• SCORE Risk Chart

Risk Categories

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

Taking Action

Lifestyle Modifications

1. Maintain a healthy diet
2. Exercise regularly (aim for 150 minutes/week)
3. Quit smoking
4. Limit alcohol consumption
5. Manage stress

Medical Management

Based on your risk assessment, your doctor may recommend:

• Regular blood pressure monitoring
• Cholesterol-lowering medications
• Aspirin therapy
• Diabetes management
• Regular check-ups

Follow-up Care

Schedule regular follow-up appointments as recommended by your healthcare provider to monitor your progress and adjust your care plan as needed.

Emergency Warning Signs

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• Chest pain or pressure
• Shortness of breath
• Sudden weakness or numbness
• Severe headache
• Irregular heartbeat