The Framingham Risk Score (FRS) is a widely used tool for estimating an individual’s 10-year risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD). It was developed based on data collected from the Framingham Heart Study, a long-term, ongoing cardiovascular study initiated in 1948 in Framingham, Massachusetts, USA.
Risk based upon:
- Age
- Sex
- Total cholesterol
- HDL cholesterol
- Systolic blood pressure
- Smoking status
- Diabetes
- Does not include family hx premature CVD (first degree relative < 55 years in men or < 65 years in women).
Recommended to double calculated 10-year risk in those 30-59yrs (without diabetes) who have a positive family history. Does not include obesity or metabolic syndrome.
Framingham Risk Score (FRS) Calculation Formula
In these formulas:
- Age: Age is the person’s age in years.
- Total Cholesterol: Total Cholesterol is the total cholesterol level in mg/dL.
- HDL Cholesterol: HDL Cholesterol is the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level in mg/dL.
- Systolic Blood Pressure: Systolic Blood Pressure is the systolic blood pressure in mmHg.
- Smoker Status: Smoker Status is 0 for non-smokers and 9 for current smokers.
- Diabetic Status: Diabetic Status is 0 for non-diabetics and 7 for diabetics.
Risk Level:
- High (FRS > 20%)
- Intermediate (FRS 10-19%)
- Low (FRS <10%)
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) includes diseases of the heart and vasculature.
- CVD can be prevented & treated but not cured.
- Hypertension, dyslipidemia and diabetes are major modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
- Hypertension can result in damage to the brain, eyes, blood vessels, heart and kidney.
- CVD risk should be estimated using the Framingham risk score to determine risk level.
Atherosclerosis:
- Plaque build up in the walls of the arteries.
Dyslipidemia:
- Elevated total or low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels, or low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol.
- Major modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
- Contributes to development of atherosclerosis.
Read also:
Resource Person: Lobna Adi