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Australia's updated cardiovascular disease risk calculator is identifying substantially more Australians aged 45–74 as being at "intermediate" risk of heart attack and stroke, according to new analysis published in the Medical Journal of Australia. The insights could provide patients and their general practitioners with a valuable opportunity to act early and prevent cardiovascular events.
Cardiovascular disease remains one of the leading causes of death in Australia, and blood pressure- and cholesterol-lowering medications, along with quitting smoking and improving diet, can substantially reduce the risk of having a heart attack or stroke.
In 2023, Australia updated its cardiovascular risk calculator to align with revised national guidelines for assessing the likelihood of heart attack and stroke. In the study, the updated calculator was compared to the previous one published in 2012.
Researchers from Australian National University (ANU) and QIMR Berghofer analyzed data from more than 115,000 people aged 45 to 74 who had visited a GP between 2020 and 2022, none of whom had a history of heart disease or stroke.
7%) were found to be at high risk of a cardiovascular event within five years, meaning preventive medication would be routinely recommended. 4%) were classified as intermediate risk, where treatment should be considered, depending on individual circumstances. 9%) were at low risk.
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