AHA/ACC Scientific Statement:Assessment of Cardiovascular Risk by Use of Multiple-Risk-Factor Assessment Equations

Table of Contents	Print a PDF	References	Figures & Tables
<Previous		Next >

GRUNDY ET AL., Assessment of Cardiovascular Risk
J Am Coll Cardiol 1999;34:1348--59

AHA/ACC Scientific Statement: Assessment of Cardiovascular Risk by Use of Multiple-Risk-Factor Assessment Equations

A Statement for Healthcare Professionals From the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology

X. Severity of Major Risk Factors

Framingham scoring takes into account gradations in risk factors when estimating absolute risk. The scoring does not adequately account for severe abnormalities of risk factors, eg, severe hypertension, severe hypercholesterolemia, or heavy cigarette smoking. In such cases, Framingham scores can underestimate absolute risk. This underestimation is particularly evident when only 1 severe risk factor is present. Thus, heavy smoking³¹ or severe hypercholesterolemia³² can lead to premature CHD even when the summed score for absolute risk is not high. Likewise, the many dangers of prolonged, uncontrolled hypertension are well known. These dangers underscore the need to control severe risk factors regardless of absolute short-term risk estimates.

American College of Cardiology

Helping Cardiovascular Professionals Learn. Advance. Heal.

GRUNDY ET AL., Assessment of Cardiovascular Risk J Am Coll Cardiol 1999;34:1348--59