Framingham CVD Risk Score
Understanding the Framingham CVD Risk Score
The Framingham Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) Risk Score is a widely used tool to estimate a person's 10-year risk of developing cardiovascular disease. This risk assessment tool was developed from the Framingham Heart Study, one of the longest-running and most influential studies in cardiovascular medicine.
What Does the Score Tell You?
The Framingham CVD Risk Score provides:
- 10-year risk of developing cardiovascular disease
- Heart age/vascular age
- Risk points based on various factors
Risk Factors Considered
The calculator takes into account several key risk factors:
- Age (30-74 years)
- Gender
- Total cholesterol
- HDL cholesterol
- Systolic blood pressure
- Blood pressure medication use
- Smoking status
- Diabetes status
Interpreting the Results
10-Year CVD Risk
- Low risk: <10%
- Intermediate risk: 10-20%
- High risk: >20%
Heart Age
Heart age compares your cardiovascular health to population averages. If your heart age is higher than your actual age, it suggests increased cardiovascular risk.
Clinical Applications
The Framingham CVD Risk Score is used to:
- Guide preventive care decisions
- Inform lifestyle modifications
- Help determine need for preventive medications
- Facilitate doctor-patient discussions about cardiovascular health
Risk Modification
Several risk factors can be modified to improve your score:
Modifiable Risk Factors
- Blood pressure control
- Cholesterol management
- Smoking cessation
- Diabetes management
Lifestyle Changes
- Regular exercise
- Healthy diet
- Weight management
- Stress reduction
- Medication adherence if prescribed
Limitations
This calculator:
- Is validated for ages 30-74
- May not apply to all ethnic groups
- Doesn't include family history
- Should be part of a comprehensive health assessment
Start calculating now to better understand your cardiovascular risk!
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