Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is an umbrella term which describes various conditions affecting the heart, blood vessels or both and it is caused by blood clots (thrombosis) or atherosclerosis.
There are various risk factors which increase your risk of developing CVD.
– Modifiable risk factors include smoking, alcohol intake, lack of exercise or physical activity, high cholesterol levels, obesity or being overweight.
– Non-modifiable risk factors include older age, family history of CVD, being male, ethnic background.
– Some health conditions that can affect your risk of developing CVD include high blood pressure, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis and high cholesterol levels.
A person’s risk of developing CVD over a 10-year period is assessed using a QRISK score.
A QRISK score calculates the risk of developing CVD over a 10-year period.
The QRISK score does not apply to people who already have CVD or at high risk of developing it or are over the age of 85 years. People with type 1 diabetes, or chronic kidney disease stages 3,4 or 5 are considered high risk and therefore a QRISK score is not applicable.
People with a QRISK score of 10% or more should be offered lifestyle advice to discuss:
– Smoking cessation
– Alcohol consumption and the recommended thresholds for men and women
– Eating a well-balanced, healthy diet
– Being physically active
– Weight loss if overweight or obese
Statin treatment should also be offered to patients with a QRISK score of 10% or more if lifestyle changes have not been effective.
We will be contacting patients with a QRISK score of 20% and more to discuss statin treatment and patients with a QRISK score of 10% and more to offer lifestyle advice and counselling.
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