There are many multivariable cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk scores or algorithms that predict the risk of developing specific signs of CVD (coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, peripheral vascular disease, heart failure, etc.) over a given period. Using data from Framingham Heart Study participants, D’Agostino et al. developed a general cardiovascular risk profile for use in primary care settings that aims to predict the risk of CVD and its constituents. Using Cox proportional-hazard regression, sex-specific multivariable risk functions incorporating age, total and HDL cholesterol levels, systolic blood pressure (or treatment for hypertension), and smoking and diabetes status were assessed in 8,491 participants. During the 12 year follow-up, 1,174 individuals eventually developed a first CVD event. Two risk scores are presented: one was based on all traditional risk factors and the other was based on non-laboratory-based risk factors. The authors believe that this new risk scoring system is unique in that, in primary care settings, it allows straightforward adjustments to be made to the functions used to assess the risk for specific components of CVD.
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