The electronic CVD risk calculator is available online and in some general practice clinical information systems (CIS). Alternatively, you can manually do the calculation using the Australian cardiovascular risk charts. Your choice of calculator is a matter of personal preference and availability.

The most common risk calculators are:

Australian absolute CVD risk calculator (online)
Australian cardiovascular risk charts (manual process)
Absolute CVD risk calculators embedded in clinical software.

A useful online risk calculator resource is found at auscvdrisk.com.au. You'll find a patient risk calculator, which is a new interactive version of the Australian five-year CVD risk calculator to help guide discussion about management options and create patient decision aids.

TIP: When using the online calculator, remember to record a CVD risk score in the patient's record.

TIP: When using the online calculator, use the ‘Add a Comparison’ function to show the patient how modifying certain risk factors can improve the result e.g. stopping smoking or reducing blood pressure.