One of the notable advancements in this guideline is that, for the first time, Australia will have a CVD risk prediction equation uniquely modified and recalibrated for the Australian population to enable more accurate risk estimation.

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As the first major update to Australian CVD risk assessment guidelines in over a decade, the 2023 Australian Guideline for assessing and managing cardiovascular disease risk and associated Aus CVD Risk Calculator now reflects the latest evidence on assessing, communicating and managing CVD risk.

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Key updates include:

• A new risk equation has been modified and recalibrated specifically for the Australian population to give a more accurate assessment of CVD risk. It is also the first Australian CVD risk calculator to account for socioeconomic disadvantage and diabetes specific risk factors.

• A broader range of people without known CD aged 45-79 years are now recommended to have their risk assessed using the Aus CVD Risk Calculator.

• New risk categories have been defined according to the new Aus CVD Risk Calculator:

• High (210% risk over 5 years)

• Intermediate (5 to <10% risk over 5 years)

• Low (<5% risk over 5 years)

• New guidance has been provided on factors that may help clinicians refine and reclassify risk estimates when using the Aus CVD Risk Calculator; this is particularly relevant for people whose calculated risk is close to the threshold of another risk category.

• New emphasis on communicating risk effectively to support shared decision-making between primary care clinicians and patients.

• Specific recommendations, resources and practice advice for First Nations people have been embedded throughout the guideline.

 

The guideline enables assessment and early identification of CVD risk in people aged 45 years to 79 years without known CVD (from 30 years for First Nations people and from 35 years for people with diabetes). With redefined risk categories, the guideline helps clinicians direct management strategies and pharmacotherapy to those who will benefit the most. Recognising the significance of effective communication, the calculator interface, with built-in patient decision support tools, supports shared decision-making between health professionals and patients.

 

Endorsed by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP), the 2023 Australian Guideline for assessing and managing cardiovascular disease risk sets the new standard for CVD prevention in primary care in Australia and is a major achievement for our health system.

 

The 2023 Guideline replaces the Guidelines for the management of absolute cardiovascular disease risk, published in 2012 by the National Vascular Disease Prevention Alliance (NVDPA). The new guidelines supports health professionals in predicting risk of cardiovascular disease and preventing “first ever” cardiovascular disease events, using an absolute risk approach.

 

Guideline and tools

• Australian Guideline for assessing and managing cardiovascular disease risk - Overview

• Aus CVD Risk Calculator

• Guideline summary infographic

• Guideline resource for the public

 

Go to calculator (via www.cvdcheck.org.au)

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Note - the National Vascular Disease Prevention Alliance and its work has been incorporated into the Australian Chronic Disease Prevention Alliance (ACDPA). Activities are being continued under ACDPA.

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