Cardiovascular Risk Score

What it is

Your cardiovascular risk score is a way for healthcare professionals to estimate your chance of having a heart attack or stroke over the next 10 years. It's not a direct measurement of something in your blood, but rather a calculation based on several factors that are known to influence heart health. Think of it as a personalised forecast for your heart health over the coming decade. The result is usually expressed as a percentage, for example, "less than 10%". This percentage represents the likelihood of experiencing a cardiovascular event within that 10-year timeframe.

Why it matters

Understanding your cardiovascular risk score can be really helpful for making informed decisions about your health. If your score is low, it suggests that your current lifestyle and health markers are generally favourable for your heart. If your score is higher, it can act as an important signal, indicating that there might be steps you can take, in discussion with your GP, to help reduce your risk. It's a proactive tool that empowers you and your doctor to focus on prevention and maintaining good cardiovascular health.

What can cause it to be high or low

The calculation of your cardiovascular risk score takes into account a combination of factors. Some of these are things you can't change, like your age and family history of heart disease. Others are factors that can be influenced, and these are often the focus when aiming to reduce risk.

Factors that can contribute to a higher risk score include:

• Age: The risk of cardiovascular disease generally increases as we get older.
• Sex: Historically, men have been considered at higher risk, though this gap narrows after the menopause for women.
• Blood Pressure: Consistently high blood pressure (hypertension) puts extra strain on your heart and blood vessels.
• Cholesterol Levels: High levels of certain types of cholesterol, particularly LDL ("bad") cholesterol, can lead to a build-up of plaque in arteries. Low levels of HDL ("good") cholesterol can also be a concern.
• Smoking: Smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease, damaging blood vessels and reducing the oxygen supply to the heart.
• Diabetes: Having diabetes, especially if it's not well-controlled, significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular problems.
• Body Mass Index (BMI) / Obesity: Being overweight or obese can contribute to high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.
• Family History: A history of early heart disease in close relatives can indicate a genetic predisposition.

A lower risk score is generally associated with having favourable levels of these factors, such as normal blood pressure, healthy cholesterol levels, not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and having no diabetes.

Lifestyle factors that may help

There are several lifestyle adjustments that can positively influence your cardiovascular risk score. These are areas where you can often make a difference, and they are excellent topics to discuss with your GP.

• Diet: Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, while limiting saturated and trans fats, salt, and added sugars, can be beneficial for blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
• Physical Activity: Regular exercise helps to strengthen the heart, improve circulation, manage weight, and can positively impact blood pressure and cholesterol. Aiming for a mix of aerobic activity and strength training is often recommended.
• Smoking Cessation: If you smoke, quitting is one of the most impactful things you can do for your heart health. Support is available to help you stop.
• Weight Management: Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight can have a significant positive effect on blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels.
• Alcohol Consumption: Moderating alcohol intake, if you drink, is generally advised for overall health.
• Stress Management: Finding healthy ways to manage stress, such as mindfulness, yoga, or hobbies, can contribute to better cardiovascular well-being.

Questions to discuss with your GP

Your cardiovascular risk score is a personal health indicator, and it's best understood in the context of your individual health. Here are some questions you might consider discussing with your GP:

• What was my cardiovascular risk score, and what does this percentage mean for me specifically?
• Which factors contributed most to my calculated risk score?
• Are there any specific lifestyle changes you would recommend for me to consider based on my score?
• Are there any further tests or monitoring that might be helpful for my heart health?
• What are the benefits of aiming to lower my cardiovascular risk score?
• How often should I have my cardiovascular risk reassessed?