Cardiac risk assessmentyour future heart risk, made clear.
Blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, weight, smoking and family history are brought together to estimate your risk of heart attack or stroke, and to show which changes would lower it most.
Available in clinic
At a glance
- How long
- About 45 minutes
- Preparation
- Fasting may be advised
- Results
- Plan agreed the same day
- Where
- In clinic
Why it might be recommended
Every test is chosen to answer a specific question. These are the most common reasons for this one.
- A parent, brother or sister with early heart disease
- High blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes
- Smoking, now or in the past
- Anyone over 40 who has never had their risk checked
What happens
History
Your symptoms, family history, lifestyle and medicines are reviewed in detail.
Measurements
Blood pressure, weight, waist and pulse are measured, and an ECG may be recorded.
Blood tests
Cholesterol, glucose and kidney function are checked, or your recent results are reviewed.
Your plan
Your risk is calculated and explained, with a practical plan: lifestyle, medicines, or further tests if needed.
How to prepare
- Bring a list of your medicines and any recent blood results
- If you can, find out the age at which relatives had heart problems
- If blood is to be taken you may be asked to fast; this is confirmed when you book
Conditions it helps assess
- High blood pressurePressure in the arteries stays too high. It rarely causes symptoms, but it strains the heart and blood vessels over time.
- High cholesterolToo much cholesterol in the blood, which can build up in artery walls over many years.
- Coronary artery diseaseThe arteries that supply the heart muscle become narrowed by fatty plaque.
- Diabetes and the heartDiabetes raises the risk of heart and blood vessel disease, so the two are best managed together.
Common questions
I feel fine. Is this worth it?
Yes. Heart disease often develops for years without symptoms. Knowing your risk early is what allows it to be reduced.
Will I be put on tablets?
Not necessarily. Treatment depends on your overall risk, and for many people lifestyle changes come first.
How often should it be repeated?
Usually every few years, or sooner if your health changes. You will be told what is sensible for you.
Other tests
All tests
EchocardiographyAvailable in clinic
ECGAvailable in clinic
Holter monitoringAvailable in clinic
Stress testingAvailable in clinic
CT imagingHospital referral
Cardiac MRIHospital referral
Coronary angiographyHospital referral
Body composition analysisHospital referral
24-hour blood-pressure monitoringHospital referral
Not sure this is the test you need?
You do not have to decide alone. Book a consultation or send a question on WhatsApp. Tests are chosen once your symptoms and history have been reviewed.
This page explains what the test involves. It is not medical advice for your situation. If you have sudden or severe chest pain, fainting or breathlessness, seek emergency care immediately.