How to Calculate Framingham Risk Score
What is Framingham Risk Score?
Framingham Risk Score predicts 10-year cardiovascular disease risk. It incorporates age, cholesterol, blood pressure, and smoking status.
Step-by-Step Guide
- 1Assign points for age, total cholesterol, HDL, SBP, and smoking status
- 2Calculate 10-year risk percentage
- 3Risk <10% low, 10-20% intermediate, >20% high
Worked Examples
Input
Male age 55, TC 220, HDL 35, SBP 140, smoker
Result
Risk ≈ 13% (intermediate)
Warrants prevention therapy
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✕Using Framingham in symptomatic patients (already high risk)
- ✕Not updating scores every 4-6 years as risk factors change
Frequently Asked Questions
When should risk scoring be done?
In asymptomatic adults 40-75 without known CVD to guide treatment intensity.
Does it account for family history?
No, Framingham doesn't include family history. This is a limitation; consider ASCVD risk instead which does.
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