What is the Reynolds Risk Score?

It is a sex-specific algorithm (Ridker et al., JAMA 2007) that predicts the probability of a major cardiovascular event within 10 years. This calculator implements the published equation for women without diabetes and includes hsCRP and parental MI history alongside traditional risk factors.

Why is hsCRP included?

High-sensitivity CRP is a marker of systemic inflammation. Inflammation plays a direct role in atherosclerosis. In the Women's Health Study, hsCRP was a stronger predictor of CV events than LDL cholesterol. Including it allows the Reynolds score to reclassify intermediate-risk women more accurately than cholesterol-only models.

What cholesterol units does this calculator use?

mg/dL, consistent with the original Reynolds publication. To convert mmol/L to mg/dL, multiply by 38.67 for total cholesterol and HDL. Typical total cholesterol in a healthy adult is 150–200 mg/dL; HDL above 60 mg/dL is considered protective.

What hsCRP value is normal?

An hsCRP below 1.0 mg/L is low cardiovascular risk. Between 1.0–3.0 mg/L is average risk. Above 3.0 mg/L indicates elevated inflammatory risk. Values above 10 mg/L may reflect acute infection or injury rather than chronic cardiovascular risk and should be retested after any acute illness resolves.

Can men or women with diabetes use this calculator?

No. A separate Reynolds equation was published for men, and the published women's diabetes model includes hemoglobin A1c. This page implements only the equation for women without diabetes. Do not use the sex-specific equations interchangeably.

Is this a substitute for medical advice?

No. This is a clinical decision-support tool, not a replacement for a physician's evaluation. Risk estimates should be interpreted alongside your complete medical history, current medications, and other lab values. All treatment decisions must be made by a qualified clinician.

Reynolds Risk Score Calculator

For women without diabetes, enter age, blood pressure, cholesterol, HDL, hsCRP, family history, and smoking to estimate 10-year cardiovascular risk.

Patient Data (Women Without Diabetes)

Age (years, 45–80)

Systolic Blood Pressure (mmHg)

Total Cholesterol (mg/dL)

HDL Cholesterol (mg/dL)

hsCRP (mg/L)

High-sensitivity C-reactive protein from a blood test. Values >10 mg/L may indicate acute illness — retest when healthy.

Current smoker Parent had heart attack before age 60

Enter patient data on the left and click Calculate Risk to see the 10-year cardiovascular risk estimate.

Summary

The Reynolds Risk Score is a validated algorithm developed specifically for women to estimate 10-year cardiovascular risk. This calculator implements the published model for women without diabetes; the diabetes model also requires hemoglobin A1c and is not implemented here. Unlike the Framingham score, Reynolds incorporates high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and parental history of heart attack before age 60. Inputs include age, systolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, hsCRP, smoking status, and family history of premature MI. The result supports clinician-led risk discussion and does not prescribe treatment.

How it works

Use this version only for a woman without diabetes; the validated equation for women with diabetes additionally requires hemoglobin A1c.
Enter your age in years (45–80 is the supported range in this calculator).
Enter your systolic blood pressure in mmHg (the top number in a reading).
Enter total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol in mg/dL from a recent lipid panel.
Enter your high-sensitivity CRP (hsCRP) level in mg/L from a blood test.
Indicate whether you are a current smoker and whether a parent had a heart attack before age 60.
The 10-year cardiovascular risk percentage and risk category appear instantly.

Use cases

Estimate personal 10-year cardiovascular risk as a woman before a preventive care visit.
Understand how hsCRP (inflammation) contributes to heart risk beyond standard cholesterol measures.
See how quitting smoking or controlling blood pressure would lower your estimated risk.
Identify intermediate-risk women who may benefit from statin therapy per ACC/AHA guidelines.
Compare Reynolds and Framingham risk estimates side-by-side for a more complete picture.
Educate on the role of family history and inflammation in cardiovascular risk prediction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: 2026-06-11 · Reviewed by Nham Vu