CardioCal 1.0

Assessment of Heart Disease Risk and Mitigation Strategies

The cardiovascular risk calculator app offers a comprehensive evaluation of an individual's potential 10-year risk for myocardial infarction, stroke, or cardiovascular mortality. This tool encompasses data from the six regions of the Americas—Andean, Caribbean, Central, North, South, and Tropical—based on 2019 tables published by the World Health Organization (WHO) (Lancet, 2019). The risk assessment is derived from a thorough review of existing cohorts and has been tailored to reflect cardiovascular morbidity burden across 21 global regions. Each region provides estimates that hinge on individual cholesterol levels or alternative health data if cholesterol information is unavailable. The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), with financial support from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, has modernized prior resources into this online calculator for broader accessibility on computers and smartphones, succeeding the earlier Cardiocal app launched in 2014.

Target Audience

This application is designed primarily for healthcare providers, enabling them to swiftly calculate cardiovascular risk and engage in informed discussions with patients regarding risk reduction strategies. Furthermore, it caters to individuals proactive about their health, aiding them in assessing whether medical consultation is warranted based on their risk profile. It should be noted that treatment recommendations are directed at healthcare professionals and are not intended as a guide for self-medication, which poses potential risks. This calculator is not a substitute for professional medical advice or clinical judgment.

Key Features

• The gear icon allows users to select their country; each country falls within one of the previously mentioned regions, leading to variable risk calculation outcomes.
• Users can switch between languages (English, Spanish, or Portuguese), choose cholesterol measurement units (mmol/L or mg/dl), and opt for metric or imperial systems (cm or feet/inches).
• The app incorporates country-specific protocols for the twelve countries whose health ministries have established standard treatment protocols for hypertension.