Health tools
How the heart and blood vessel disease risk is calculated
The assessment combines the main factors that WHO identifies as associated with heart and blood vessel disease, but it does not calculate a percentage risk over 10 years.
This total score is a HealthSphere screening system that weights factors based on international health guidelines. It is not a WHO-endorsed score and cannot be used to diagnose disease.
Risk factor scoring table
| Factor | Criteria used | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 35–44 / 45–59 / 60 years or over | 1 / 2 / 3 |
| BMI | 23–24.9 / 25–29.9 / 30 or over | 1 / 2 / 3 |
| Waist | Men ≥90 cm (35.4 in), women ≥80 cm (31.5 in); a further 10 cm over scores 3 | 2 / 3 |
| Family history | Premature heart disease | 3 |
| Existing conditions or previous test results | High blood pressure / diabetes / high blood lipids | 3 / 3 / 2 |
| Smoking / physical activity | Smokes / less than 150 minutes per week | 3 / 2 |
| Symptoms on exertion | Gets tired easily, chest pain or tightness, or palpitations | 4 |
For each factor, only the single highest matching criterion is counted; all the points are then added up.
What the total score means
0–5 points — Low risk
6–11 points — Moderate risk
12 points or more — High risk
What the result cannot tell you
Estimating heart risk as a percentage requires blood pressure readings and blood test results, used with a validated model. If you have severe chest pain or tightness, sweating, difficulty breathing, or sudden symptoms, get emergency care immediately.