As you may be aware, a raised level of cholesterol can increase your risk of developing cardiovascular diseases (CVD) such as a heart attack, stroke or peripheral vascular disease. Cholesterol is one of many risk factors that increase your chance of developing CVD in the future.
Using the results from your health check and information from your medical record it is possible to calculate a QRISK score for you. A QRISK score is a percentage chance of you having a stroke or heart attack in the next 10 years. The higher this score is, the greater your personal risk is.
The risk factors used to calculate your QRISK score include:
- Age
- Gender
- Ethnicity
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol levels
- High BMI
- Smoking and alcohol consumption
- Medical condition such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis or chronic kidney disease
- A family history of heart disease in relatives under the age of 60.
What does your score mean?
Nobody has a QRISK score of 0%. Your risk will increase on uncontrollable factors such as age. It is therefore possible for your score to be raised even if your blood pressure, cholesterol and BMI are within normal limits.
A QRISK score of less than 10% indicates a low risk of a heart attack or stroke in the next 10 years.
A QRISK score of between 10-20% indicates a moderate risk of a heart attack or stroke in the next 10 years.
A QRISK score of greater than 20% indicates a high risk of a heart attack or stroke in the next 10 years.
Lifestyle effects
Risk factors such as blood pressure, cholesterol, weight and smoking status can be influenced by changes to your lifestyle. The following lifestyle changes are recommended:
- Quit smoking: Support is available if needed.
- Reduce alcohol consumption: less than 14 units per week
- Maintain a healthy weight: a BMI between 20-25
- Eat a balanced diet: aim for foods low in fat, sugar and salt and for 5 fruits and vegatables a day.
Further information on lifestyle changes can be found here: www.nhs.uk/live-well
Statins
Latest guidance recommends that if your QRISK score is greater than 10% then you should consider taking a statin.
Statins are a class of medication that lower the level of cholesterol in your blood and they are proven to reduce your risk of having a heart attack or stroke. The below link
Statins are intended for long term use and are generally safe and well tolerated. However, as is the case with all medications they can cause side effects. These include:
- Muscle pain
- Type 2 diabetes
- Bowel issues
- Headaches
- Sleep disturbances
Information on the likelihood of these side effects occurring are available at this link:
General information on statins can be found at the following links: