Framingham 10-Year CVD Risk: Predicts risk of first cardiovascular event (CHD, Stroke, PVD, HF) based on the 2008 D'Agostino model.
Guidelines & Evidence
Clinical Details
Section 1
When to Use
When to Use
Primary prevention risk assessment for cardiovascular disease (CVD).
Estimating the 10-year risk of developing coronary heart disease (CHD) events (MI and coronary death).
Decision support for blood pressure management and lifestyle interventions.
Target Population
Historically validated in primarily White populations. Best used for adults aged 30–74 years without established CVD or diabetes.
Section 2
Formula & Logic
Assessed Variables
Age
Total Cholesterol
HDL Cholesterol
Systolic Blood Pressure (and treatment status)
Smoking Status
Risk Categories
< 10%
Low Risk
10–20%
Intermediate Risk
> 20%
High Risk
Section 3
Pearls/Pitfalls
Legacy vs. Modern Tools
The Framingham Risk Score was the gold standard for decades. However, modern guidelines (AHA/ACC) now prefer the Pooled Cohort Equations (ASCVD Risk) as they include stroke as an endpoint and are better calibrated for diverse populations.
Section 4
Next Steps
Complementary Calculators
ASCVD Risk — Pooled Cohort Equations (PCE)
QRISK3 CVD Risk
SCORE2 CVD Risk
Friedewald LDL Equation
Martin/Hopkins LDL Calculation
Section 5
Evidence Appraisal
Primary Derivation
Prediction of coronary heart disease using risk factor categories.
Wilson PW et al. • Circulation.. 1998;n=5,345. The foundational paper for the categorical Framingham risk model.
