Heart Risk Score
Estimate your 10-year cardiovascular disease risk using the European SCORE2 model, the standard recommended by the ESC and NHG.
Heart Risk Calculator
Enter your details to estimate your 10-year cardiovascular risk according to the SCORE2 model.
The top number of a blood pressure reading.
Answer a few lifestyle questions so we can estimate your blood pressure based on population data.
High blood pressure runs in my family
Answer a few questions so we can better estimate your cholesterol based on population data.
High cholesterol runs in my family
I take cholesterol-lowering medication (statins)
Under 40 years of age
The SCORE2 model is validated for people aged 40 and over. At a younger age, absolute cardiovascular risk is generally low. However, you can reduce your future risk by not smoking, exercising regularly, eating healthily, and maintaining a healthy weight.
Your Estimated 10-Year Risk
10-year risk of cardiovascular disease
Low risk Moderately elevated risk High risk
Your estimated risk is considered low for your age group. Continue maintaining a healthy lifestyle and attend regular check-ups with your doctor.
Your estimated risk is moderately elevated. Consider discussing lifestyle improvements and additional risk factors with your doctor.
Your estimated risk is elevated. We strongly recommend discussing preventive measures with your doctor, including possible medication.
Some values were estimated based on your lifestyle answers. For a more precise risk assessment, have your blood pressure and/or cholesterol measured by a healthcare professional.
What if you change?
Risk Factors Assessed
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Medical Disclaimer
This tool provides an indication based on the SCORE2 model of the European Society of Cardiology and the NHG Standard for Cardiovascular Risk Management. The result is a population-level estimate and not an individual diagnosis. Consult your doctor for a personal cardiovascular risk profile, especially if you already have known risk factors or cardiovascular disease. Levenswijs offers blood testing, not medical advice.
What is the SCORE2 model?
SCORE2 (Systematic COronary Risk Evaluation 2) is the latest risk score model from the European Society of Cardiology (ESC), published in 2021. It replaces the earlier SCORE model and estimates the 10-year risk of fatal and non-fatal cardiovascular events (heart attack, stroke). The model is validated for the European population and accounts for region-specific risk profiles. The Netherlands falls in the low-risk region.
Understanding Risk Categories
Risk categories are age-dependent, as recommended by the ESC guidelines (2021) and the NHG Standard for CVRM:
- Under 50 years: low risk < 2.5% | moderately elevated 2.5–7.5% | high risk >= 7.5%
- 50 to 69 years: low risk < 5% | moderately elevated 5–10% | high risk >= 10%
- 70 years and older: low risk < 7.5% | moderately elevated 7.5–15% | high risk >= 15%
Modifiable Risk Factors
Several cardiovascular risk factors can be positively influenced through lifestyle changes:
- Quit smoking: the most impactful step you can take. After 1 year, the excess risk is already halved.
- Lower blood pressure: through less salt, more exercise, stress reduction, and medication if needed. Aim for a systolic pressure below 130 mmHg.
- Improve cholesterol: healthier diet (less saturated fat, more fibre), exercise, and statins if needed.
- Regular exercise: at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week significantly reduces risk.
- Healthy weight: being overweight increases blood pressure and worsens cholesterol profiles.
Methodology & Sources
This calculator is based on the published SCORE2 and SCORE2-OP risk charts for low-risk countries (including the Netherlands). Risk is determined by bilinear interpolation between table values based on your age, sex, smoking status, systolic blood pressure, and total cholesterol. Sources: SCORE2 Working Group, European Heart Journal, 2021 (DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehab309); SCORE2-OP Working Group, European Heart Journal, 2021 (DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehab312); NHG Standard Cardiovascular Risk Management (2019, revised 2024).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between SCORE2 and the Framingham Risk Score?
SCORE2 is the newer European model (2021) specifically developed and validated for the European population. The Framingham score is based on an American study. SCORE2 accounts for regional risk levels and is the standard recommended by the European Society of Cardiology and the NHG.
Why do risk categories differ by age group?
Absolute risk naturally increases with age. The ESC guidelines therefore use age-dependent thresholds so that risk is placed in perspective. A risk of 8% in a 45-year-old is concerning, but the same percentage in a 75-year-old may be relatively normal.
I am under 40 — why don't I get a score?
The SCORE2 model was developed and validated for people aged 40 and over. At a younger age, absolute 10-year risk is generally low, but risk factors at a young age (such as smoking) do affect your long-term risk. Focus on a healthy lifestyle.
I don't know my cholesterol — can I still get an estimate?
Yes, the calculator can use the Dutch population average as an estimate. This gives a rough indication, but a blood test provides much more accurate results. We recommend having your cholesterol checked at least once every 5 years.
Can I reduce my cardiovascular risk?
Yes, significantly. Quitting smoking, lowering blood pressure, improving cholesterol, and exercising more all have a proven effect. The calculator shows you the difference: compare your current risk with the risk after lifestyle improvements.
How often should I have my cardiovascular risk checked?
The NHG recommends a cardiovascular risk assessment for men from age 40 and women from age 50, or earlier if known risk factors exist. Repeat the assessment every 5 years, or more frequently if your doctor recommends it.
Get Precise Lab Results
This calculator uses estimated values. For accurate cholesterol, blood sugar, and inflammation markers, order a comprehensive blood test.