The present invention provides methods, systems, devices, and software for determining values for one or more markers in order to characterize a subjects risk of developing cardiovascular disease or experiencing a complication thereof (e.g., within the ensuing one to three years). In certain embodiments, the markers are those derived from a blood sample using a hematology analyzer operably linked to a software application that is configured to compute a risk score for a subject based on the values for the markers detected in the blood sample.