The New Aus CVD Risk Calculator- It’s time to reassess your risk

Heart health is influenced by many things. Some of these are changeable (diet, smoking, physical activity) and some of them are unchangeable (age, gender, family history).

If your cardiovascular risk was calculated prior to 2023, it is time to reassess your risk. The old risk calculator was based on the American population and did not account for the unique groups within the Australian population.

The new Australian Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) Risk Calculator, more accurately assesses the risk of death or hospitalisation from a CVD event within 5 years.

To maximise your heart health, the first step you need to take is a risk assessment. You can get a more accurate idea of your CVD risk here: https://www.cvdcheck.org.au/calculator

The next step to improving heart health and lowering your risk of a cardiovascular event, is to prioritise healthy eating and regular movement. These lifestyle factors, along with quitting smoking, are ‘modifiable’ and where you have the greatest influence on your risk level.

Once you have made these changes, don’t forget to talk to your GP. The GP can look at other factors to ensure you are taking all the appropriate precautions based on your risk calculation and family history.

If your GP has referred you for a Home Medicines Review, the Credentialed Pharmacist from Glen Medicine can assist you to complete the AusCVDrisk calculator. In addition to this, the Credentialed Pharmacist can assess if your current medicines are the best fit for your newly assessed risk, and provide recommendations to the referring GP.