Framingham score for cardiovascular diseases

Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases are the main cause of deaths in Brazil. The most important cardiovascular risk factors are high blood pressure, dyslipedemia, smoking and diabetes. The prediction of coronary heart disease event can be calculated applying an equation based on risk observed in the Framingham Heart Study. The risk of myocardial infarction and angina pectoris can be calculated according to age-strata, gender, levels of systolic blood pressure, the ratio of total cholesterol to HDL-cholesterol, smoking habit and diagnosis of diabetes. The Framingham score is a useful tool for epidemiologic purposes, however it is not useful for clinical applications.