If you searched for a QRISK2 score NHS calculator, current UK guidance has moved on. NICE recommends QRISK3 for formal estimation of 10-year cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in eligible people aged 25 to 84 without established CVD. This independent page does not reproduce or approximate the QRISK algorithm.
QRISK assessment eligibility checker
This checker does not calculate a QRISK percentage. It helps you understand whether the standard QRISK3 pathway may apply and directs you to the official calculator.
QRISK2 or QRISK3: which is current?
NICE guideline NG238 recommends QRISK3 for formal 10-year CVD risk assessment in people aged 25 to 84 without established CVD, including people with type 2 diabetes. NICE notes that QRISK2 may still be used temporarily where an electronic clinical system has not yet been updated to QRISK3.
Why this page does not generate a QRISK score
QRISK is a complex validated risk-prediction algorithm using demographic, clinical and treatment variables. Current QRISK3 includes factors such as age, sex, ethnicity, smoking, blood pressure, cholesterol-to-HDL ratio, BMI, diabetes, family history and several medical conditions and medicines. A simplified home-made score could be misleading, so this page deliberately does not invent or approximate the algorithm. For an actual percentage, use the official QRISK3 calculator.
What information does QRISK3 use?
- Age, sex and ethnicity
- Smoking status and diabetes status
- Systolic blood pressure and blood-pressure variability
- Total cholesterol to HDL cholesterol ratio
- Height and weight to derive BMI
- Family history and relevant diagnoses such as atrial fibrillation, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic kidney disease, migraine and SLE
- Selected medicines and other clinical risk factors
Understanding the 10% threshold
NICE recommends offering atorvastatin 20 mg for primary prevention to eligible people with a 10-year QRISK3 score of 10% or more. A score is only one part of shared decision-making; NICE also says treatment should not automatically be ruled out below 10% where a person has an informed preference or there is concern that risk is underestimated.
Important limitations
- This page does not calculate QRISK2 or QRISK3.
- Do not use a risk score to diagnose heart disease or decide on medication by yourself.
- NICE identifies groups for whom a standard CVD risk tool should not be used; clinical assessment is required.
- The official QRISK3 site describes its public calculator as a reference demonstrator and not for direct patient care by health professionals.
Authoritative sources
- NICE NG238: cardiovascular disease risk assessment and reduction
- Official QRISK3 calculator and information
- NHS heart age calculator
Related calculators
Frequently asked questions
Does the NHS still use QRISK2?
NICE now recommends QRISK3 for formal CVD risk assessment in the standard eligible population. QRISK2 can remain in use in some electronic systems during the transition to QRISK3.
What does a QRISK score estimate?
QRISK3 estimates the chance of developing cardiovascular disease over the next 10 years for people to whom the model applies.
Can I calculate QRISK without cholesterol or blood pressure?
The official tool allows some fields to be left unknown, but missing information can affect accuracy. NICE notes that QRISK3 explains that risk may be overestimated when fields are left blank, so a full clinical assessment is preferable.
Is this an official NHS QRISK calculator?
No. This is an independent information and eligibility-checking page. It is not operated, approved or endorsed by the NHS, NICE or the QRISK developers.
Independent informational tool only. It does not provide a QRISK percentage, diagnosis or medical advice.