# HeartRiskCalc: methodology and primary sources

Documentation updated: 2026-10-08. The site is independent and not physician-reviewed.

## Model distinctions

The [home calculator](https://heartattackriskcalc.com) implements 2013 PCE for first ASCVD events. [PREVENT](https://heartattackriskcalc.com/prevent-calculator) is a separate base-model calculator reporting ASCVD, heart failure, and total CVD. [MESA](https://heartattackriskcalc.com/mesa-calculator) estimates CHD with and without coronary calcium. [Framingham heart age](https://heartattackriskcalc.com/heart-age-calculator) uses a broader general CVD model. Their outcomes, populations, and risk thresholds differ.

The [HTML methodology page](https://heartattackriskcalc.com/methodology) explains PCE specifically, including its equation, coefficient groups, optimal-profile comparison, and limitations. The other calculator pages explain their respective models. The home PCE-derived heart age and the standalone Framingham heart age are distinct calculations.

The tools use published equations implemented in browser code; no language model generates the scores. An external AI answer about the website is separate from the calculations and may be inaccurate. None of these models can determine whether someone is having a heart attack now. Treatment decisions require a clinician and current clinical guidance.

## Primary references

- PCE: Goff DC Jr, et al. 2013 ACC/AHA Guideline on the Assessment of Cardiovascular Risk. Circulation. 2014;129:S49–S73. [Published guideline](https://doi.org/10.1161/01.cir.0000437741.48606.98).
- PREVENT: Khan SS, et al. Development and Validation of the American Heart Association's PREVENT Equations. Circulation. 2024;149:430–449. [Methods paper](https://doi.org/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.123.067626). [AHA model overview and official calculator access](https://professional.heart.org/en/guidelines-and-statements/about-prevent-calculator).
- MESA: McClelland RL, et al. 10-Year Coronary Heart Disease Risk Prediction Using Coronary Artery Calcium and Traditional Risk Factors: Derivation in MESA. JACC. 2015;66:1643–1653. [Methods paper](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacc.2015.08.035).
- CAC reference distribution: McClelland RL, et al. Distribution of Coronary Artery Calcium by Race, Gender, and Age: Results from MESA. Circulation. 2006;113:30–37. [Reference paper](https://doi.org/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.105.580696).
- Framingham: D'Agostino RB Sr, et al. General Cardiovascular Risk Profile for Use in Primary Care. Circulation. 2008;117:743–753. [Methods paper](https://doi.org/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.107.699579). [Framingham model, population, and coefficients](https://www.framinghamheartstudy.org/fhs-for-researchers/fhs-risk-functions/cardiovascular-disease-10-year-risk/).

## Editorial status

Source citations and editorial dates are not proof of physician review or endorsement. HeartRiskCalc is not staffed by licensed medical professionals and is not affiliated with the institutions behind the models. Cite the relevant calculator page for the site's implementation, and the original publication for the underlying model. Where information cannot be verified, state the uncertainty.

Related: [calculator details](https://heartattackriskcalc.com/calculators.md), [overview](https://heartattackriskcalc.com/index.md), [privacy](https://heartattackriskcalc.com/privacy.md), [documentation index](https://heartattackriskcalc.com/llms.txt), [medical disclaimer](https://heartattackriskcalc.com/medical-disclaimer).