QRISK2 Cardiovascular Disease Risk Calculator
Estimate your 10-year risk of developing cardiovascular disease including heart attack and stroke. This calculator uses the QRISK2 algorithm developed for the UK population.
Your QRISK2 Score
How to Use This Calculator
Enter your personal health information into the fields above. You’ll need to know your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and BMI. If you don’t have recent test results, contact your GP surgery. Once all fields are completed, click the “Calculate Risk” button to receive your 10-year cardiovascular disease risk percentage.
What is QRISK2?
QRISK2 is a validated algorithm developed by researchers at the University of Nottingham to predict the risk of cardiovascular disease in people aged 25-84 years. It estimates the likelihood of experiencing a heart attack, stroke, or other cardiovascular event within the next 10 years. Unlike earlier risk calculators, QRISK2 incorporates ethnicity, social deprivation, and additional medical conditions to provide more accurate predictions for the UK population.
Risk Factors Included in QRISK2
Age & Demographics
Risk increases significantly with age. Your ethnicity also affects cardiovascular risk, with South Asian populations showing higher risk levels.
Blood Pressure
Systolic blood pressure above 140 mmHg is considered high and increases cardiovascular risk. Regular monitoring is essential.
Cholesterol Levels
The ratio of total cholesterol to HDL cholesterol is crucial. High total cholesterol with low HDL increases risk substantially.
Smoking
Smoking is one of the most significant modifiable risk factors. Even light smoking increases cardiovascular risk considerably.
Body Mass Index
Being overweight or obese (BMI over 25) increases cardiovascular risk. Both very low and very high BMI levels pose concerns.
Medical Conditions
Diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic kidney disease, and atrial fibrillation all significantly increase cardiovascular risk.
Risk Categories Explained
| Risk Level | QRISK2 Score | Meaning | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low Risk | Less than 10% | Less than 1 in 10 chance of CVD event in next 10 years | Maintain healthy lifestyle, regular check-ups |
| Moderate Risk | 10% to 20% | Between 1 in 10 and 1 in 5 chance of CVD event | Lifestyle changes discussed, possible medication |
| High Risk | Above 20% | Greater than 1 in 5 chance of CVD event | Medication recommended (e.g., statins), intensive lifestyle modification |
Steps to Reduce Your Risk
Dietary Changes: Adopt a Mediterranean-style diet rich in fruits, vegetables, wholegrains, fish, and olive oil. Reduce saturated fat, salt, and processed foods.
Physical Activity: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week. This can include brisk walking, cycling, or swimming.
Weight Management: If overweight, losing just 5-10% of body weight can significantly reduce cardiovascular risk factors.
Stop Smoking: Quitting smoking is the single most effective action to reduce risk. Your GP can provide support and access to smoking cessation services.
Limit Alcohol: Keep alcohol consumption within recommended limits (14 units per week spread over 3+ days).
Medication Adherence: If prescribed statins or blood pressure medication, take them as directed. These significantly reduce cardiovascular events.
When to See Your GP
Book an appointment with your GP if your QRISK2 score is moderate or high, if you have symptoms such as chest pain or breathlessness, or if you have concerns about your cardiovascular health. Your GP can arrange blood tests, check your blood pressure, and discuss treatment options. Adults aged 40-74 without existing cardiovascular disease are eligible for a free NHS Health Check every five years.
Limitations of QRISK2
QRISK2 is not suitable for people who already have cardiovascular disease, as they are automatically considered high risk. It also doesn’t account for some conditions now known to increase risk, such as severe mental illness, COPD, certain cancers, or pre-eclampsia. The calculator provides an estimate based on population data and cannot account for all individual circumstances. Your actual risk may differ.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between QRISK2 and QRISK3?
QRISK3 is the newer version that includes additional risk factors such as severe mental illness, corticosteroid use, erectile dysfunction, and migraine. Both are used in NHS settings, though QRISK3 is becoming more widely adopted.
Should I stop taking my medication if my score is low?
Never stop prescribed medication without consulting your GP. If you’re already on statins or blood pressure medication, your risk is being actively managed, which affects your score.
How often should I recalculate my QRISK2 score?
For most people, checking every 3-5 years is appropriate, or sooner if you’ve made significant lifestyle changes or developed new medical conditions.
What if I don’t know my cholesterol or blood pressure?
Contact your GP surgery to request recent test results. If you haven’t had tests recently, you can book an NHS Health Check if you’re aged 40-74.
Does family history really matter?
Yes, having a first-degree relative (parent, sibling, child) who developed coronary heart disease before age 60 significantly increases your risk, particularly if multiple relatives are affected.
Can I reverse my cardiovascular risk?
While you cannot change factors like age and genetics, you can modify many risk factors through lifestyle changes and medication. Stopping smoking, losing weight, exercising regularly, and controlling blood pressure and cholesterol can all substantially reduce risk.
QRISK2 vs Other Risk Calculators
| Feature | QRISK2 | Framingham Score | ASSIGN Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | England & Wales | USA (Framingham study) | Scotland |
| Ethnicity Included | Yes (9 groups) | No | No |
| Social Deprivation | Yes (Townsend score) | No | Yes (SIMD) |
| Medical Conditions | 5 conditions | Limited | Limited |
| Validation | UK population | US population | Scottish population |
Clinical Guidelines
According to NICE guidelines, adults with a QRISK2 score of 10% or higher should be offered lipid modification therapy (statins) alongside lifestyle advice. The decision to start treatment should be made through shared decision-making between patient and clinician, considering individual circumstances, preferences, and potential benefits versus risks.
For people with type 1 diabetes, chronic kidney disease, or familial hypercholesterolaemia, different risk assessment approaches may be more appropriate. Your GP will advise on the most suitable assessment method for your circumstances.