Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) includes nonfatal myocardial infarction (heart attack), coronary heart disease death, and fatal or nonfatal stroke caused by atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in arteries).

What are the Pooled Cohort Equations?

The Pooled Cohort Equations (PCE) were developed by the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and American Heart Association (AHA) in 2013. They estimate the 10-year risk of a first ASCVD event in adults aged 40–79 using sex- and race-specific coefficient sets derived from large population cohort studies.

What do the risk categories mean?

Low: <5% — Borderline: 5–7.5% — Intermediate: 7.5–20% — High: 20% or more. These categories guide decisions about lifestyle intervention and statin therapy per the 2018 ACC/AHA cholesterol guidelines.

Who should use this calculator?

This tool is intended for adults aged 40–79 who have not yet had a heart attack or stroke. It is not validated for people with pre-existing cardiovascular disease, familial hypercholesterolemia, or certain chronic conditions.

Is this tool a substitute for medical advice?

No. This calculator is for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider to interpret your results and determine the appropriate management plan for your individual situation.

Why are there separate equations for race and sex?

The PCE was derived from cohort studies that showed statistically significant differences in cardiovascular risk by race and sex at the same risk factor levels. Separate coefficient sets improve calibration for White and African American adults; the ACC/AHA notes the equations may be less accurate for other racial/ethnic groups.

ASCVD Risk Calculator

Name: ASCVD Risk Calculator
Availability: InStock
Author: Nham Vu

Estimate your 10-year risk of a first atherosclerotic cardiovascular event using the ACC/AHA 2013 Pooled Cohort Equations.

Patient Information

Sex

Race / Ethnicity

Equations validated for White and African American adults. Other groups: consult a clinician.

Age (40–79 years)

Total Cholesterol (mg/dL)

HDL Cholesterol (mg/dL)

Systolic Blood Pressure (mmHg)

Currently on blood pressure treatment

Diabetes (type 1 or type 2)

Current smoker

Fill in all fields to see your 10-year ASCVD risk estimate

Medical Disclaimer: This calculator is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The ACC/AHA Pooled Cohort Equations are validated for adults aged 40–79 without pre-existing cardiovascular disease. Results may be less accurate for non-White, non-African American populations. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making any medical decisions.

Summary

Estimate your 10-year risk of a first atherosclerotic cardiovascular event using the ACC/AHA 2013 Pooled Cohort Equations.

How it works

Select your sex and race/ethnicity.
Enter your age (40–79 years).
Enter your total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol in mg/dL.
Enter your systolic blood pressure in mmHg and indicate if you are on blood pressure treatment.
Check the boxes for smoking and diabetes if applicable.
Click Calculate to see your estimated 10-year ASCVD risk and risk category.

Use cases

Understand your personal 10-year cardiovascular risk before a doctor visit.
See how lifestyle changes (quitting smoking, lowering cholesterol) might affect your risk.
Learn which risk category you fall into: Low, Borderline, Intermediate, or High.
Discuss statin therapy eligibility with your healthcare provider using objective risk data.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: 2026-05-23 · Reviewed by Nham Vu