Who should use this calculator?

This calculator is intended for adults aged 40-79 who do not have a prior history of heart attack or stroke. It helps clinicians and patients estimate the 10-year risk of a first ASCVD event.

What does my ASCVD risk score mean?

The risk score is the percentage chance of having a cardiovascular event (like a heart attack or stroke) in the next 10 years. For example, a 7.5% score means that out of 100 people with your risk profile, about 7 to 8 may have an event in the next 10 years.

Is this tool a substitute for medical advice?

Absolutely not. This is an informational tool only. All medical decisions, including treatments and lifestyle changes, should be made in consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.

10-Year ASCVD Risk Calculator

Important Medical Disclaimer: This tool provides an estimate for informational and educational purposes only. It is NOT a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

Your Estimated 10-Year ASCVD Risk

0.0%

Risk Level

This means that out of 100 people with your risk profile, the calculated number may have a cardiovascular event in the next 10 years. Discuss this result with your doctor.

How Does This Work?

This ASCVD Risk Calculator uses the "Pooled Cohort Equations" developed by the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and the American Heart Association (AHA). It's a scientifically validated algorithm that synthesizes data from large population studies to estimate cardiovascular risk.

Data Input: You provide key health metrics like age, cholesterol levels, and blood pressure, which are known major risk factors for heart disease.
Risk Factor Weighting: The algorithm assigns a specific weight to each input. For instance, being a smoker or having diabetes significantly increases the calculated risk score compared to other factors.
Statistical Calculation: Using these weighted factors, the calculator computes a statistical probability—your 10-year risk score. This score represents the percentage likelihood of experiencing a "hard" ASCVD event (a non-fatal heart attack, death from coronary heart disease, or a stroke) within the next decade.

The Surprising History of This Calculator

The journey to predict heart disease risk began decades ago, most famously with the **Framingham Heart Study**, which started in 1948. This groundbreaking long-term study was one of the first to identify common risk factors like high blood pressure and high cholesterol. However, these early models were primarily based on a white, middle-class population.

The "surprise" or innovation of the current ASCVD calculator, released in 2013, was its effort to be more inclusive. The "Pooled Cohort Equations" were created by combining data from multiple large, diverse studies, including those with significant numbers of African American participants. This allowed for the creation of separate, more accurate risk equations for different races and sexes, acknowledging that cardiovascular risk is not one-size-fits-all. It represented a major step forward in personalizing preventative medicine.

Explore More Related Tools

Understanding your cardiovascular risk is just one part of your health journey. Explore these other tools to get a more complete picture:

BMI Calculator: Check if your weight is in a healthy range for your height.
BMR Calculator: Find out how many calories your body needs at rest.
Calorie Calculator (TDEE): Estimate your daily calorie needs based on your activity level.
Body Fat Calculator: Get an estimate of your body fat percentage.
Waist-to-Hip Ratio Calculator: Assess your body shape and potential health risks.
Ideal Weight Calculator: Discover a healthy weight range based on various formulas.
Water Intake Calculator: Estimate how much water you should drink daily.
Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) Calculator: Understand the effects of alcohol (for informational purposes).
Smoking Cost Calculator: See the financial impact of smoking.
Target Heart Rate Calculator: Find your ideal heart rate zones for exercise.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is "ASCVD"?

ASCVD stands for Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease. It refers to conditions caused by atherosclerosis—a buildup of cholesterol-containing plaques in the arteries. This buildup can lead to serious problems, including heart attacks and strokes.

What do the risk levels mean?

Based on your score, your doctor might categorize your risk: Low (<5%), Borderline (5% to 7.4%), Intermediate (7.5% to 19.9%), and High (≥20%). These categories help determine the intensity of recommended interventions, like lifestyle changes or medication.

What if my age is outside the 40-79 range?

The Pooled Cohort Equations were specifically designed and validated for adults aged 40 to 79. For individuals outside this age range, other methods and clinical judgment are used by healthcare professionals to assess cardiovascular risk. This calculator will not provide an accurate score for them.