Coronary Heart Disease Risk Calculator

The Framingham Heart Study, running since 1948, produced the most widely used cardiovascular risk model in clinical practice. The ATP III point score system summarizes that research into a practical 10-year risk estimate based on six factors: age, sex, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, blood pressure (with treatment status), smoking, and diabetes.

Each factor earns points on a sex-specific scale. Age dominates — risk rises steeply with each decade. Total cholesterol contributes more in younger patients; its weight diminishes after 60. HDL is protective: higher HDL means negative points, pulling your total down. Blood pressure points are higher if you are on treatment, because treated hypertension still carries residual risk. Smoking adds significant points in patients under 60, less so after.

Point totals map to a 10-year risk percentage. Below 10% is “low risk.” 10-20% is “intermediate.” Above 20% is “high risk” — at this level, aggressive lipid-lowering and other interventions are typically recommended regardless of LDL level alone.

The Framingham model applies to patients aged 30-79 without existing coronary heart disease. It was originally validated in predominantly white American populations, though it is widely used as a starting point globally.

This estimate is a screening tool, not a diagnosis. A physician will integrate additional factors — family history, inflammatory markers, imaging findings — before making treatment decisions. Still, knowing your approximate 10-year risk is one of the most useful things a middle-aged adult can learn.

Disclaimer: For educational use only. Consult a physician for medical advice.