Unveiling the Cardiovascular Risk using the Application of QRISK3 Calculator among the Rural Population of Mysuru: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally, with a rising burden observed even in rural areas of low- and middle-income countries like India. Early risk prediction tools, such as the QRISK3 calculator, offer an opportunity for the timely identification of individuals at elevated risk. The present study aimed to estimate the 10-year CVD risk using the QRISK3 calculator and to identify associated risk factors among the rural population of Mysuru. Methodology: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among adults aged 25–84 years in selected villages of Mysuru district. Participants were selected using a convenient sampling method. Sociodemographic details, lifestyle factors, medical history, and clinical parameters, including blood pressure, body mass index, and lipid profile, were recorded. The QRISK3 score was calculated to estimate individual 10-year CVD risk. The data were analyzed using SPSS, and the associations were determined using appropriate statistical tests. Results: Among 225 participants (mean age: 51.2 ± 11.7 years), the majority were aged 40–65 years (69.8%) and male (61.3%), with most being nonsmokers (89.8%) and nondiabetic (85.3%). Based on QRISK scoring, 97.8% of participants were in the moderate risk category (10%–20%), with only 0.4% in the high-risk group (>20%). A strong positive correlation was found between age and QRISK score ( r = 0.731, P < 0.001), and significant associations were observed for smoking status and cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein (HDL) ratio with QRISK categories ( P < 0.001). Conclusion: The study highlights a substantial burden of moderate cardiovascular risk among the rural adult population, with age, smoking status, and cholesterol/HDL ratio emerging as key contributors. The findings underscore the importance of early risk assessment and targeted lifestyle interventions to mitigate long-term CVD burden in this population.