Reassessing ASCVD risk

The intervals between assessment of ASCVD risk are determined by patient factors and the most recent risk estimate. Consider earlier reassessment for patients on the cusp of a higher threshold, or if new risk factors are identified or existing risk factors worsen. Consider reassessing risk as follows:

• for First Nations people, reassess every year, or opportunistically (and at least every 2 years).
• for people at intermediate risk (5 to 10%), reassess after 2 years.
• for people at low risk (less than 5%), reassess after 5 years.

For people at high risk (more than 10%), and people in whom drug therapy has been started to manage cardiovascular risk, formal reassessment of risk using the calculator is not required.

While a full ASCVD risk estimation may only be necessary periodically, healthy habits should be encouraged in all patients at every opportunity. Risk calculation can also be a useful motivational tool for patients who are reluctant to make lifestyle changes.