QRISK2: A Reliable Cardiovascular Risk Calculator

Based on the 2013 lipid guidelines update, many of us stopped using the ATPIII/Framingham risk calculator and switched to the new pooled equations calculator. The AHA/ACC even released an excellent app -- encompassing both the pooled equations calculator and the lipid guideline -- called the ASCVD Risk Estimator. Previously on iMedicalApps we reviewed the ASCVD Risk Estimator and found it easy to use; it provides a wealth of information for both patients and providers.

Since 2009, the National Health Service (NHS) in the United Kingdom (U.K.) has been using QRISK. This risk calculator has both 10-year and lifetime risk calculations available, and has been updated annually. It has the advantage of a more diverse patient population than the old Framingham calculator and includes socioeconomic status -- calculated using postal codes for those living in the U.K. -- to help derive the risk calculation.

So how does the QRISK2-2014 app stand up to the venerable ASCVD Risk Estimator app?

Likes:

• Simple-to-use interface with easier data input (to a degree) compared to the ASCVD app
• Uses a more up-to-date and larger data set for risk calculations than Framingham or pooled equations apps
• One of the only medical apps to include socioeconomic status in the calculation (via postal codes for those in the U.K.)

Dislikes:

• Font along bottom of user interface difficult to read/use
• No lifetime risk calculation included
• Lacks additional lipid guideline information found in the ASCVD Risk Estimator app
• Not available for Android at this time

Bottom Line:

The evidence behind the QRISK2-2014 app is robust. This app has been utilized in the U.K. since 2009 and has been validated in cohorts of over 2 million people, including a more diverse racial population than Framingham. It has been shown in several research studies to outperform other risk calculators including Framingham. And the website for QRISK now has the option to use 2015 data.

Every provider in primary care and hospital medicine needs a good reliable CV risk calculator, and QRISK2-2014 fits the bill nicely. The medical app is a good alternative to the ASCVD Risk Estimator -- especially for those in the U.K. due to the ability to include postal codes. However, the QRISK2 app lacks some of the helpful information about the use of statins and lacks the lifetime risk calculation found in the ASCVD app.

Check out the full video review on iMedicalApps.

Note: The views expressed are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy of the Department of the Army, the Department of Defense, or the federal government.

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QRISK2: A Reliable Cardiovascular Risk Calculator