Question

In a general practice in regional Queensland, you review a 32-year-old Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander man with no past medical history. He smokes 5-10 cigarettes per day and has a BMI of 29 kg/m². His blood pressure today is 126/78 mmHg and fasting lipids and glucose are normal. According to current Australian cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk guidelines, what is the most appropriate approach to CVD risk assessment for this patient?

Accepted Answer

Perform an absolute CVD risk assessment now and repeat 5-yearly if low risk

Answer

Defer absolute CVD risk assessment until age 45 years unless risk factors develop

Answer

Assess CVD risk only if his blood pressure exceeds 140/90 mmHg

Answer

Screen for CVD risk only if he develops diabetes or chronic kidney disease

Answer

Begin statin therapy now without formal risk assessment

Practice question