Cardiovascular risk

Cardiovascular risk is the probability that, within a certain period – most often the next 10 years – a person will have a heart attack or stroke, angina pectoris or another disease of the blood vessels. It is the combined effect of various factors, many of which can be recognised in good time and successfully controlled. Assessing cardiovascular risk is one of the most important steps in preventing heart disease.

Many factors influence the risk. Some cannot be changed, such as age, sex and genetics, while others can be changed and depend on lifestyle and the state of the body, such as raised blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar, smoking, obesity, physical inactivity and stress. The more factors are present, the higher the risk, and their interaction further increases the likelihood of developing disease.

Risk assessment uses scoring systems that estimate the probability of a cardiovascular event on the basis of laboratory results and basic information. This makes it possible to focus treatment on the people who can benefit most from lifestyle changes or starting medication.

Reducing cardiovascular risk is based on timely control of risk factors. The most important measures include controlling blood pressure, lowering LDL cholesterol, stopping smoking, maintaining a healthy body weight, regular physical activity and a healthy diet. People at increased risk often also need medication – blood pressure medicines, statins or other lipid-lowering medicines, and sometimes medicines to control blood sugar.

Assessing cardiovascular risk is not a one-off procedure but part of ongoing health care. Regular check-ups, monitoring of laboratory results and starting treatment in good time can significantly reduce the likelihood of serious cardiovascular events. Even small changes in lifestyle habits can have a big effect on the long-term health of the heart and blood vessels.