A risk assessment helps determine if you are likely to have a heart attack.

Your physician will be able to tell you more about the cardiovascular risk assessment but it includes looking at your:

• Age
• Gender
• Blood pressure
• Cholesterol level
• Diabetic status
• Smoking status

The assessment will also look at your ethnicity, family history, weight and physical activity levels.  Contact your physician to find out more about a cardiovascular risk assessment.

Should I see a physician for a risk assessment?

If you answer "yes" to ANY of the questions below then you may need to see your physician for a cardiovascular risk assessment.

1. Have you had … ?

• A heart attack
• A stroke
• A transient ischaemic attack
• Angina
• Diabetes with or without kidney problems

If you answered yes to these conditions you may be in a very high risk category. Modifying or changing your lifestyle can reduce your risk to help keep you healthy. You should visit your physician periodically for a check up.

2. Are you … ?

• Male and older than 45
• Female and older than 55

And have one of the following?

• Smoking (or recently stopped)
• High cholesterol
• High blood pressure
• Overweight
• Family history of cardiovascular disease: Father or brother who has been diagnosed with cardiovascular disease before the age of 55; mother or sister who has been diagnosed with cardiovascular disease before the age of 65
• Parents or siblings diagnosed with diabetes
• Told by your physician you are at risk of developing diabetes

The more times you answered "yes," the greater your risk of having a heart attack or stroke.

If you answered "no" but are concerned, then you need to see your physician for a "risk assessment."

If you answered "yes" to the Risk Quiz, follow these steps:

Step 1) Risk assessment: See your physician who can conduct a detailed cardiovascular risk evaluation. The evaluation may include blood tests, EKG, stress test and echocardiogram. Your physician will be able to assess your risk as low, moderate or high.

Step 2) Options for reducing your risk: Once you know your risk, your physician will discuss ways to help you reduce the risk. This may include lifestyle advice alone, or lifestyle advice and drug therapy.

Step 3) Make a plan: Plan changes in your lifestyle that will improve your health and reduce your risk of having a heart attack or stroke.

Step 4) Check-ups: Keep a personal record of your progress. Your physician will want to monitor your progress through regular check-ups.