What is the QRISK®4 score?
QRISK®4 is a cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk score. It estimates the risk of a person developing cardiovascular disease over the next ten years, from their demographic details and medical history. The published research calls the algorithm QR4.
It is the successor to QRISK®3, and takes account of a wider set of conditions than QRISK®3 does. It has been specifically developed for use in the UK.
What is cardiovascular disease?
Cardiovascular disease is a term used by doctors to refer to a collection of diseases such as:
- Stroke
- Transient ischaemic attack
- Myocardial infarction or heart attacks
- Angina
What does 10 year risk of cardiovascular disease mean and why is it important?
10 year risk of cardiovascular disease means the risk of someone developing cardiovascular disease over the next ten years.
If someone has a 10 year QRISK®4 score of 20% then in a crowd of 100 people like them, on average 20 people would get cardiovascular disease over the next 10 years. Or put another way, they have a 'one in five' chance of getting cardiovascular disease over the next 10 years.
What does QRISK®4 take into account that QRISK®3 does not?
In addition to the risk factors used by QRISK®3, QRISK®4 takes account of:
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Blood cancer (leukaemia, lymphoma or myeloma)
- Brain cancer
- Lung cancer
- Oral cancer
- Learning disability, including Down's syndrome
- Post-natal depression (women only)
- Pre-eclampsia or eclampsia (women only)
Has QRISK®4 been validated?
Validation of the underlying algorithm is described in the academic research listed on the publications page.
The software used to create this site has been tested using millions of randomly generated patient records, which are not real patient data. Scores produced here match those generated by the statistical software used in the validation of the algorithm.
Which people can have a QRISK®4 score calculated?
The calculator is intended for people aged between 18 and 84 who do not already have a diagnosis of coronary heart disease (including angina or heart attack) or stroke/transient ischaemic attack, and who are not taking statins.
If you already have one of these conditions your risk is assessed differently, and you should speak to your doctor or nurse rather than relying on this calculator.
How can I work out my risk?
You can use this QRISK®4 web calculator to estimate your risk.
Note though that this is just an estimate, and that if you do not know some of the information needed for the calculator, such as your blood pressure, then it will substitute population average values for someone of your age and sex, so the result is just a guide.
If you are concerned about your estimated risk then you can see a doctor or nurse for a full risk assessment. Your doctor will have a way of identifying who needs to be assessed based on information already present in your electronic health record, and may contact you if you need a review.
What is body mass index and how is it measured?
Body mass index is a number calculated from your height and weight. It is the weight in kilograms divided by the height in metres squared. Conventionally a person is considered to be obese if they have a body mass index over 30 kg/m2.
What does 'family history of premature coronary heart disease in a first degree relative' mean?
You have a positive family history if you have a mother, father, brother or sister who has had a heart attack or angina under the age of 60.
If you have a positive family history it will give you an increased risk, so it is even more important that you try to have a healthy lifestyle: do not smoke, avoid being overweight, and take exercise.
Who is responsible for this calculator?
All medical decisions relating to this score need to be taken by a patient in consultation with their doctor. The authors of the academic papers and Endeavour Predict CIC accept no responsibility for clinical use or misuse of the score.