We use a computerised scoring tool called QRISK2 to estimate a ‘risk score’ (as a percentage) of having a heart attack or stroke in the next 10 years. The higher the score, the greater the risk.
The tool uses the information in your medical records, including the following:
- Age, gender, ethnicity, postcode (deprivation score)
- Blood pressure, cholesterol level, body mass index (height and weight), smoking status
- Existing medical conditions, e.g. diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic kidney disease
- Treatment for blood pressure
- Family history of angina, heart attack (in relatives under 60 years)
New guidance from NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) suggests that anyone with score of more than 10% should be offered an interventional treatment.
The treatment plan would include lifestyle modification (e.g. stop smoking, dietary changes), lowering blood pressure and use of a cholesterol lowering medication – statin.
Statin medication can lower your risk of heart attack and stroke by around 25%. This is referred to as ‘primary prevention’.
Further information can be found on the links below.
Please contact the Practice for an appointment with your GP if you would like to discuss further or would like to commence on a statin.