Frequently Asked Questions
A QALY (Quality-Adjusted Life Year) is a measure that combines both the quantity and quality of life. One QALY equals one year of life in perfect health. A year spent in less-than-perfect health is worth less than one QALY, reflecting reduced quality of life.
We generate personalized predictions by applying hazard ratios from peer-reviewed meta-analyses to your profile. The prediction intervals reflect uncertainty from the underlying studies—wider intervals mean less certainty. Your actual outcomes may differ due to genetics and factors not in our models, which is why we show uncertainty ranges rather than false precision.
CDC life tables for baseline mortality, hazard ratios from Cochrane/Lancet/JAMA meta-analyses for risk factors, and GBD 2019 for disease burden. We use Monte Carlo simulation to propagate uncertainty through the calculations, giving you prediction intervals that reflect the limits of current research.
No. Optiqal provides statistical predictions, not clinical recommendations. We show what the research suggests for someone with your profile, but can't account for your full medical history. Discuss health decisions with your doctor who knows your complete situation.
All calculations happen in your browser. We do not collect, store, or transmit your personal health information. See our Privacy Policy for complete details on our data practices.
We currently model factors with strong research backing including smoking, alcohol consumption, exercise, diet, sleep, and BMI. We continually evaluate new research to expand our coverage while maintaining scientific rigor.
Yes, within the uncertainty bounds we show. The predictions are personalized to your profile using rigorous statistical methods. The prediction intervals tell you how certain we are—use the range, not just the point estimate. For major health decisions, combine our predictions with advice from your doctor.
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