Framingham Risk Score Calculation

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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.


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Resource Person: Lobna Adi

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