Cardiovascular Risk Calculator
Estimate your 10-year risk of heart attack or stroke using the Framingham risk score.
About the Framingham Risk Score
The Framingham Heart Study risk score estimates 10-year probability of a major cardiovascular event (heart attack, stroke). It considers age, sex, cholesterol, blood pressure, smoking, and diabetes. Scores above 10% indicate intermediate to high risk.
Accuracy The Framingham risk score correctly classifies approximately 75–80% of patients into the right risk tier. It may underestimate risk in women and certain ethnic groups, and overestimate risk in populations with very healthy baseline cholesterol levels.
Risk Categories
| 10-Year Risk | Category |
|---|---|
| Less than 10% | Low Risk |
| 10% – 20% | Intermediate Risk |
| Greater than 20% | High Risk |
What to do with your result
- If your risk is intermediate (10–20%) or high (>20%), schedule an appointment with your doctor to discuss statin therapy, blood pressure management, and lifestyle changes.
- Quit smoking immediately if you are a current smoker — it is the single most impactful modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
- Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise per week to improve HDL cholesterol and lower blood pressure.
- Reduce saturated fat intake and increase fiber to lower total cholesterol; target LDL below 100 mg/dL if at high risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a 10-year cardiovascular risk score mean?
The 10-year cardiovascular risk score estimates the probability that you will have a major cardiovascular event — such as a heart attack or stroke — within the next 10 years. A score below 10% is considered low risk, 10–20% is intermediate, and above 20% is high risk.
What factors affect the Framingham risk score?
The Framingham risk score uses age, sex, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, systolic blood pressure, blood pressure treatment status, smoking status, and diabetes diagnosis. Each factor is assigned points, and the total determines your estimated 10-year risk percentage.
How can I lower my cardiovascular risk score?
The most impactful changes include quitting smoking, controlling blood pressure through diet and medication if needed, raising HDL cholesterol through aerobic exercise, lowering LDL cholesterol, and managing diabetes. Even modest improvements in multiple risk factors compound to significantly reduce overall risk.
Is the Framingham score accurate for all populations?
The Framingham score was developed on a predominantly white American cohort and may overestimate or underestimate risk in other ethnic groups. Alternative scores (e.g., ACC/AHA Pooled Cohort Equations) may be more appropriate for diverse populations. Always discuss your result with a doctor.
How often should I recalculate my cardiovascular risk?
Most clinical guidelines recommend recalculating cardiovascular risk every 5 years for adults aged 40–75 who are not already on lipid-lowering or antihypertensive therapy. If you make significant lifestyle changes or start new medications, earlier recalculation is warranted.
This calculator is for educational purposes only. Consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical advice.