QRISK

QRISK is a risk assessment tool used in the United Kingdom to estimate a person's risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) within the next 10 years. It was developed by researchers at the University of Nottingham and is used by the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK.

Overview

QRISK incorporates a range of factors to calculate an individual's risk of developing CVD. These factors include age, sex, ethnicity, smoking status, blood pressure, cholesterol level, and body mass index (BMI). It also takes into account medical conditions such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and kidney disease, as well as social factors like deprivation.

Development and Use

The QRISK algorithm was first developed in 2007, with subsequent versions (QRISK2 and QRISK3) released in 2008 and 2017 respectively. Each version has incorporated additional risk factors to improve the accuracy of the tool.

QRISK is used by healthcare professionals in the UK to identify individuals at high risk of CVD. These individuals can then be offered interventions to reduce their risk, such as lifestyle changes, medication, or further testing.

Criticism and Controversy

While QRISK is widely used, it has also been subject to criticism. Some argue that it overestimates risk in certain populations, while others believe it underestimates risk in others. There is also debate about the inclusion of certain risk factors in the algorithm.

See Also

• Cardiovascular disease
• Risk assessment
• National Health Service