Framingham Risk Score Calculator

Understanding Framingham Risk Score

The Framingham Risk Score (FRS) is a gender-specific algorithm used to estimate the 10-year cardiovascular risk of an individual. It was developed from the Framingham Heart Study, one of the most important epidemiological studies in medical history, which began in 1948.

Risk Categories

10-Year Risk	Category	Recommendation
< 10%	Low Risk	Lifestyle modifications, reassess in 5 years
10-20%	Intermediate Risk	Consider additional testing, lifestyle changes
> 20%	High Risk	Aggressive risk factor modification, consider statin therapy

Risk Factors Included

• Age: Risk increases with age
• Sex: Men have higher risk than women at younger ages
• Total Cholesterol: Higher levels increase risk
• HDL Cholesterol: Higher levels are protective
• Systolic Blood Pressure: Higher readings increase risk
• Blood Pressure Treatment: Treated hypertension carries additional risk
• Smoking Status: Current smoking doubles risk
• Diabetes: Significantly increases cardiovascular risk

Modifiable Risk Factors

Blood Pressure Control

Target: Less than 130/80 mmHg for most adults. Achieved through lifestyle changes and medications if needed.

Cholesterol Management

Reduce LDL cholesterol through diet, exercise, and statin therapy when indicated. Increase HDL through exercise and weight loss.

Smoking Cessation

Quitting smoking reduces cardiovascular risk by 50% within one year.

Diabetes Management

Tight glycemic control and management of associated conditions reduce cardiovascular complications.

Limitations

• Derived primarily from white population data
• May underestimate risk in certain ethnic groups
• Does not include family history
• Does not account for inflammatory markers or coronary calcium
• Valid only for ages 30-79 years
• Not applicable for those with existing cardiovascular disease

When to Use This Calculator

The Framingham Risk Score is most useful for:

• Primary prevention assessment
• Deciding whether to initiate statin therapy
• Motivating patients to make lifestyle changes
• Shared decision-making between providers and patients