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

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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

V. Absolute Risk Estimates

Absolute risk is defined as the probability of developing CHD over a given time period. The recent Framingham report² specifies absolute risk for CHD over the next 10 years. Although absolute risk scores can be used to evaluate preventive strategies, 4 caveats must be kept in mind. First, Framingham scores derive from measurements made some years ago; the possibility exists that absolute risk for any given level of risk factors in the general population may have changed since that time. Second, absolute risk in the Framingham population for any given set of risk factors may not be the same as that for all other populations, for example, those of differing ethnic characteristics. Third, Framingham risk scores represent average values; however, considerable individual variability in risk exists within the Framingham population. For example, several other factors not included in the Framingham scores potentially modify absolute risk for individuals (see Table 2). Finally, Framingham scores are not necessarily elastic; the magnitude of risk reduction achieved by modifying each risk factor may not equal (in reverse) the increment in risk accompanying the factors.

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