QRisk2

What does ‘risk’ mean? 

Risk is the chance of something happening. It’s important to note that your risk of developing heart disease is never zero and regardless of other risk factors, your risk naturally increases the older you get. 

Your QRISK score will indicate whether you are at low, moderate or high risk of developing heart disease in the next 10 years. 

Low risk – QRISK2 score of less than 10% 

This means that you have less than a one in ten chance of having a stroke or heart attack in the next 10 years. 

Moderate risk – QRISK2 of 10-20% 

This means that you have between a one to two in ten chance of having a stroke or heart attack in the next 10 years. 

High risk – QRISK2 score of more than 20% 

This means that you have at least a two in ten chance of having a stroke of heart attack in the next 10 years 

If you have recently had an NHS Health Check, you can view your results on the NHS App. 

What can I do to lower my risk? 

Guidance from NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) suggests that anyone with a score of more than 10% (moderate risk) should be offered help to reduce their risk. This includes advice on making lifestyle changes and/or offers the option of starting medication to lower cholesterol (e.g. statins). 

What lifestyle changes can I make? 

You may have noticed that the list of risk factors includes things we can change (such as smoking status, weight and blood pressure) and things we cannot change (such as age and gender). Positive changes to lifestyle can benefit everyone, regardless of Qrisk2 score.  

You can therefore try to reduce your risk by taking a few simple steps including: 

• Stop smoking – consider support and services available locally to quit smoking. 

• Eat a healthy balanced diet – low in fat, sugar and salt. Eat 5 fruit / vegetables a day. 

• Reduce alcohol intake – aim for less than 14 units a week for men and women. 

• Weight management - Keep an eye on your weight and take steps to lose weight if needed. Aim for BMI 20-25. 

• Exercise regularly (walking is a great start).  

Managing Cholesterol 

People with high cholesterol results can ask for a further appointment in an appropriate timeframe, to measure your weight, height, blood pressure, cholesterol and recalculate your QRISK2 score. If your score is the same, or has increased, then the GP, pharmacist or nurse can discuss whether you would benefit from medication to manage your cholesterol levels.  

Learn more about recommended lifestyle changes on our Health Check page

What are statins? 

Statins are a group of medications that help to reduce cholesterol, which in some cases can lower your risk of heart disease and stroke. If you wish to discuss the option of taking a statin then please make an appointment to speak to your GP or GP Pharmacist.