Cardiovascular Risk Calculator
Assess 10-year risk of fatal cardiovascular events based on European SCORE.
Important Medical Disclaimer
This calculator is an educational and clinical decision support tool. Results DO NOT replace professional medical evaluation, laboratory tests, or clinical judgment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis, treatment, and clinical decisions. Calculations are based on scientifically validated formulas but may not be applicable to all patients.
Calculate Risk
What is Cardiovascular Risk?
SCORE (Systematic COronary Risk Evaluation) estimates 10-year probability of cardiovascular death in people without previous cardiovascular disease. Considers age, gender, smoking, blood pressure, and cholesterol. Developed in European populations and recommended by European cardiovascular prevention guidelines.
When to use SCORE?
Use in apparently healthy adults 40-65 years for risk stratification and primary prevention decisions (statins, antihypertensives). Do not use in patients with established cardiovascular disease, type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes with target organ damage, severe chronic kidney disease, or very high cholesterol (these are already high risk).
Limitations and Considerations
SCORE underestimates risk in young people with multiple risk factors and overestimates in elderly. Does not consider family history, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, or biomarkers. Developed in European populations, may not apply perfectly to other ethnicities. Use as guide, not absolute rule. Consider other scores (Framingham, PCE) and complete clinical assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cardiovascular Risk
What's the difference between SCORE and Framingham?
SCORE estimates risk of cardiovascular death (fatal events), while Framingham estimates risk of any cardiovascular event (fatal or not). SCORE was developed in Europeans, Framingham in North Americans. Both are valid, but European guidelines prefer SCORE and American guidelines prefer PCE (Pooled Cohort Equations).
When to start statin based on SCORE?
European guidelines recommend considering statin if SCORE ≥5% (high risk) or ≥10% (very high risk), along with lifestyle changes. Moderate risk (1-5%) may benefit from statin if aggravating factors present (strong family history, very high LDL). Decision should be individualized.
Does SCORE apply to diabetics?
No. Type 2 diabetes with target organ damage (nephropathy, retinopathy) or multiple risk factors is automatically classified as high or very high risk, without need to calculate SCORE. These patients already require intensive treatment.
How to reduce cardiovascular risk?
Stop smoking (biggest impact), control blood pressure (<140/90, ideally <130/80), reduce LDL (statins if indicated), lose weight if obese, regular physical activity (150 min/week), Mediterranean diet, control diabetes. Small changes have large cumulative effect.