The risk score is a simple system for accessing information on the
probability of developing a first major
cardiovascular event (myocardial
infarction or stroke)
over the following 10 years, when the values of eight risk
factors are known: gender, age, diabetes, smoking habit,
systolic blood pressure, serum cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and
the prescription of anti-hypertensive medications.
The score-related risk is more
accurate than that resulting from cardiovascular risk chart.
Indeed, the risk score:
- takes into account two more risk factors, HDL-cholesterol and
anti-hypertensive therapy, which is additional to blood
pressure, since the blood pressure value registered is the
result of treatment. Anti-hypertensive therapy is also an
indicator of longstanding hypertension.
- risk charts are based on
global absolute risk classes calculated for categories of risk
factors and take into account ranges of values of total serum
cholesterol and blood pressure. The individual risk score,
instead, uses continuous values of total serum cholesterol,
serum HDL cholesterol, age and blood pressure and provide a more
precise estimation of cardiovascular risk
- the risk
score can be applied to persons ages 35-69 years (the
chart
covers the age range 40-69 instead).
Therefore, the risk check may be slightly different depending
on which tool is used.
The risk score:
- is referred to risk factors that
are measured by standardized methods
- it refers to the period during which the clinical tests for blood glucose and blood cholesterol levels were performed, and the conditions taken into account are current
- is applicable to men and women ages 35-69 years who have no
history of previous coronary or cerebrovascular events
- is not
applicable to pregnant women
- is not applicable in the case of
extreme risk factors: systolic arterial pressure greater than
200 mmHg or lower than 90 mmHg, total serum cholesterol value
greater than 320 mg/dl or lower than 130 mg/dl, HDL cholesterol
greater then 100 mg/dl or lower than 20 mg/dl.
Important notice:
Risk assessment gives no indication to treatment. It is
recommended to consult a physician for advice or therapy.
