Inputs
Formula used
+ 1.382·ln(TC) − 1.172·ln(HDL)
+ 0.134·HbA1c (if diabetic) + 0.818·smoker + 0.438·family history
Risk% = (1 − 0.98634exp(B − 22.325)) · 100
− 0.772·ln(HDL) + 0.405·smoker + 0.102·ln(hsCRP) + 0.541·family history
Risk% = (1 − 0.8990exp(B − 33.097)) · 100
How to use this calculator
- Choose sex, then enter age and systolic blood pressure.
- Enter total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and hsCRP from labs.
- Select smoking and parental history options if applicable.
- If diabetes is selected, enter HbA1c for women.
- Press Calculate to view your estimated 10-year risk.
- Download CSV or PDF to share during a clinician visit.
Example data table
| Profile | Inputs (summary) | 10-year risk | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| Example 1 | Female, 52y, SBP 128, TC 210, HDL 55, hsCRP 2.1, non-smoker, fam hx | 1.9% | Low |
| Example 2 | Male, 58y, SBP 140, TC 200, HDL 45, hsCRP 3, smoker | 13.0% | Intermediate |
| Example 3 | Female, 63y, SBP 150, TC 230, HDL 48, hsCRP 4.5, non-smoker, fam hx, diabetes (A1c 7.2) | 25.8% | High |
Clinical intent and timeframe
The Reynolds Risk Score estimates a person’s 10-year probability of a major cardiovascular event, such as myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, or cardiovascular death. It was developed for primary prevention in adults without established cardiovascular disease. By combining traditional risk factors with an inflammation marker, it supports structured clinician–patient conversations about prevention goals, follow-up intervals, and the likely benefit of risk reduction.
Inputs, measurement, and unit discipline
Accurate inputs matter. Use a recent average systolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, and HDL cholesterol from a reliable laboratory. Enter high-sensitivity C‑reactive protein (hsCRP) from a high-sensitivity assay, not a standard CRP test. Acute infection or recent injury can temporarily raise hsCRP, so repeat testing when well if results seem unusual. This calculator accepts common units and converts them consistently before calculation.
How the model converts numbers to risk
The equations apply natural logarithms to continuous variables and then transform the combined value into an absolute percentage. Because logarithms require positive values, all lab inputs must be greater than zero. Sex-specific coefficients weight blood pressure, lipids, hsCRP, smoking, and parental history of heart attack before age 60. For women with diabetes, HbA1c adds information about glycemic exposure. The final transformation uses baseline survival terms to produce a bounded 0–100% estimate.
Interpreting categories for decisions
Risk categories provide context, not prescriptions. Lower estimates usually emphasize lifestyle: nutrition, activity, sleep, and weight management. Higher estimates justify deeper discussion about blood pressure control, lipid-lowering therapy, smoking cessation, and diabetes optimization. Decision thresholds vary across guidelines, so interpret results alongside age, comorbidities, and patient preferences. Re-calculate after sustained improvements, new labs, or medication changes to verify progress over time. Trends matter more than a single run.
Using results in prevention planning
Use the downloadable report to focus a clinic visit. Review which inputs drove your score and select one or two actionable targets for the next three to six months. Remember that models cannot capture every factor, including chronic kidney disease, autoimmune inflammation, pregnancy-related risk, or medication effects. If the estimate conflicts with symptoms or clinician assessment, prioritize professional evaluation and individualized testing rather than self-treatment. Bring questions and your lab report to appointments.
FAQs
It is designed for adults in primary prevention discussions, typically without known cardiovascular disease. If you have prior heart attack, stroke, chest pain, or are pregnant, use clinician-led assessment instead of relying on a risk model.
hsCRP can rise with infection, injury, or recent surgery. If you were unwell, repeat hsCRP when recovered and use the newer value for risk discussions. Persistent elevation should be evaluated by a clinician.
Fasting is not always required for total cholesterol and HDL, depending on local practice. Enter values as reported by your lab and choose the correct units; the calculator converts units before applying the equations.
The published women equation includes HbA1c when diabetes is present, adding information about long-term glucose exposure. The commonly used men equation does not include HbA1c, so it is not requested for men here.
No. The estimate supports shared decision-making, not diagnosis or self-treatment. Clinicians also consider medications, kidney disease, family history details, imaging, and patient preferences before recommending preventive therapy.
Recalculate after meaningful changes, such as sustained blood pressure improvement, smoking cessation, medication adjustments, or updated labs. Avoid frequent recalculations from day-to-day fluctuations; focus on trends over months.