Framingham Risk Score Overview
The Framingham Risk Score is a gender-specific algorithm used to estimate the 10-year cardiovascular risk of an individual. It was first developed based on data obtained from the Framingham Heart Study, which is one of the most influential medical studies in history.
The Framingham Heart Study began in 1948 under the direction of the National Heart Institute (now known as the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute). The initial goal of the study was to identify common factors or characteristics that contribute to cardiovascular disease by following its development over a long period in a large group of participants who had not yet developed overt symptoms of cardiovascular disease or suffered a heart attack or stroke.
The study recruited 5,209 men and women between the ages of 30 and 62 from the town of Framingham, Massachusetts, and those individuals have been followed for the occurrence of heart disease and other cardiovascular events.
Over the years, the Framingham Heart Study has produced key research that has shaped the understanding and prevention of cardiovascular disease. It led to the identification of major cardiovascular risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, diabetes, and physical inactivity.
The Framingham Risk Score, developed using data from the Framingham Heart Study, has been used worldwide to assess the risk of coronary heart disease and guide preventive treatment.
The Framingham Risk Score is based on the following parameters:
- Age
- Sex
- Total cholesterol
- HDL cholesterol
- Systolic blood pressure
- Treatment for hypertension
- Smoking status
- Diabetes status
The risk score estimates the chance of having a heart attack in the next 10 years. This can help to guide the preventive treatment for cardiovascular diseases.
Important Reminder:
Even though the calculator is based on serious scientific research, it's not perfect. Just like the weatherman sometimes gets the forecast wrong, the calculator might not always give a completely accurate age. Also, it can't tell you everything about your health, and it doesn't know anything about things like your diet, how much you exercise, or whether you smoke, all of which are really important for your health. So, it's always a good idea to talk to your doctor or another healthcare provider about your health, especially if you have any worries or questions.