The Importance of Calculating Your 10 Year Risk of Cardiovascular Disease
When was the last time you assessed your risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD)? If you can’t remember, it may be time to do so, as CVD remains the leading cause of death and disability worldwide. A 10-year CVD risk estimate can help identify those at high risk of developing CVD and motivate them to make critical lifestyle modifications and seek proper medical attention.
What is 10 Year CVD Risk?
10-year CVD risk assessment utilizes a set of risk factors such as age, sex, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, blood pressure, and smoking status, among others, to estimate the likelihood of developing CVD within the next decade. With this information, healthcare providers can identify those who are at high risk of developing CVD and provide appropriate interventions and treatment.
Why is it Important to Calculate Your 10 Year CVD Risk?
Many people don’t realize that they are at risk of developing CVD until it’s too late. By knowing your 10-year CVD risk estimate, you can take proactive steps to reduce your risk. It involves adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle, such as a balanced diet, regular exercise, quitting smoking, and managing stress. Additionally, healthcare providers can prescribe preventive medication if necessary.
Who is at Risk of Developing CVD?
Anybody can develop CVD, but certain factors increase the risk. Age, family history, unhealthy diet, sedentary lifestyle, smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes are all associated with increased CVD risk. Those with more than one of these risk factors are at higher risk of developing CVD.
How Can You Calculate Your 10 Year CVD Risk?
You should talk to your healthcare provider if you want to calculate your 10-year CVD risk. Your provider may perform a comprehensive physical exam and order blood tests to collect the necessary data and obtain your 10-year CVD risk estimate.
Conclusion
Everyone should calculate their 10-year CVD risk estimate to identify those at high risk and take appropriate action to reduce the risk. This estimate can serve as a motivating force for lifestyle modification such as adopting a heart-healthy diet, regular exercise, quitting smoking, and managing stress. Additionally, preventive medication may be prescribed if necessary. Remember, once you have assessed your 10-year CVD risk, it is not definitive, but a useful guide for preventive strategies.
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