Do you need to have a heart attack and stroke risk assessment?
The purpose of a risk assessment is to see whether you are likely to develop angina or have a heart attack or stroke in the next five years. Based on your risk level, your doctor, nurse or health professional can discuss lifestyle advice and treatment options with you to reduce your risk. They will also advise how often you will need a risk assessment, depending on your level of risk.
When to have an assessment
In general, a risk assessment is advised if you are:
- A man older than 45 years
- A woman older than 55 years.
But if you say 'yes' to any of the following:
- are a smoker
- have high cholesterol
- have high blood pressure
- are overweight
- have a family history of cardiovascular disease or diabetes
- have diabetes (or are at risk of diabetes)
- had diabetes in pregnancy
- have renal (kidney) impairment
- have polycystic ovary syndrome
- or are a Maori, Pacific Islander, from the Indian subcontinent or Fiji
then you should have a risk assessment 10 years earlier, ie:
- A man older than 35 years
- A woman older than 45 years.
Related topics
Original material provided by the Heart Foundation of New Zealand and the New Zealand Guidelines Group, March 2010. Reviewed by everybody, February 2011.
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