Milmedika

What is my cardiovascular risk?

To assess the risk of cardiovascular diseases, it is essential to understand the factors that influence it. These factors are divided into non-modifiable and modifiable.

Non-modifiable factors include genetic predisposition (heredity), sex, and age—factors we cannot change. Modifiable factors are those we can influence: high blood pressure (hypertension), elevated blood lipids (hyperlipidemia), high blood sugar (diabetes or glucose intolerance), smoking, and obesity.

In addition to these factors, stress, poor interpersonal relationships, and socioeconomic status also play a significant role in the development of cardiovascular diseases. Research shows that populations with lower economic standards have a higher health risk.

SCORE chart – a tool for risk assessment

SCORE chart – a tool for risk assessment The SCORE chart is used to assess overall cardiovascular risk, combining both modifiable and non-modifiable factors. This chart takes into account sex, age, smoking status, systolic blood pressure, and total cholesterol levels, and based on this, estimates the risk of a fatal cardiovascular event in the next 10 years.

According to the World Health Organization, Montenegro is classified as a country with high cardiovascular risk.

Based on the results, risk is categorized as follows:

• Low risk – SCORE ≤ 1%
• Moderate risk – SCORE 1–5% (risk of a fatal cardiovascular event less than 5% in the next 10 years)
• High risk – SCORE 5–10% (risk of a fatal cardiovascular event between 5% and 10% in the next 10 years)
• Very high risk – SCORE >10% (risk of a fatal cardiovascular event greater than 10% in the next 10 years)

How to interpret the results and what measures to take?

If your risk is low or moderate, basic preventive measures include lifestyle changes. This involves a healthy diet, regular physical activity, and quitting smoking.

For individuals with elevated or high risk, in addition to non-pharmacological measures, pharmacological treatment is also necessary. Today, there are numerous effective medications available to regulate blood pressure, lipid levels, and blood sugar, leading to better control of risk factors.

Know your numbers

To assess your risk, it is important to know your blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels. Recommended targets for a healthy cardiovascular system can be expressed with the following formula:

0, 3, 5, 140, 5, 3, 0

• 0 – no smoking
• 3 – at least three kilometers of walking daily
• 5 – five meals a day
• 140 – maximum systolic blood pressure (upper pressure)
• 5 – maximum total cholesterol (mmol/L)
• 3 – maximum LDL (bad) cholesterol (mmol/L)
• 0 – no obesity and diabetes

Timely control of risk factors and the adoption of healthy lifestyle habits can significantly reduce the chances of developing cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, it is important to take responsibility for your health—know your numbers and act in time!