Cardiovascular risk assessment and lipid modification

Quality statements

Statement 1 Adults aged between 25 and 84 years with an estimated increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) are offered a full formal risk assessment using the QRISK3 tool.

Statement 2 Adults with a 10‑year risk of CVD of 10% or more are assessed for secondary causes before any offer of statin treatment.

Statement 3 Adults with a 10‑year risk of CVD of 10% or more receive advice on lifestyle changes before any offer of statin treatment.

Statement 4 Adults with a 10‑year risk of CVD of 10% or more for whom lifestyle changes are ineffective or inappropriate, discuss the risks and benefits of starting statin treatment with their healthcare professional.

Statement 5 Adults choosing statin therapy for the primary prevention of CVD are offered atorvastatin 20 mg.

Statement 6 Adults with newly diagnosed CVD are offered atorvastatin 80 mg.

Statement 7 Adults on a high‑intensity statin who have side effects are offered a lower dose or an alternative statin.

Statement 8 Adults on a high‑intensity statin have a repeat measurement of full lipid profile and liver transaminases at 2 to 3 months of treatment.

Statement 9 (placeholder). Identifying people with an estimated increased risk.

The previous version of the quality standard for cardiovascular risk assessment and lipid modification is available as a pdf.