The Challenges and Benefits of Cardiovascular Risk Assessment in Clinical Practice

Abstract Current expert guidelines for the treatment of hypertension or dyslipidemia recommend the use of cardiovascular risk assessment to identify high-risk individuals most likely to benefit from risk factor management. The potential uses of risk assessment include reassuring low-risk individuals...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Canadian journal of cardiology 2011-07, Vol.27 (4), p.481-487
Main Authors: Grover, Steven A., MD, MPA, Lowensteyn, Ilka, PhD
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Cardiovascular
Cardiovascular Diseases
Female
Health Status Indicators
Humans
Life Expectancy
Male
Middle Aged
Models, Cardiovascular
Professional Practice
Risk Assessment
Risk Factors
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Summary:Abstract Current expert guidelines for the treatment of hypertension or dyslipidemia recommend the use of cardiovascular risk assessment to identify high-risk individuals most likely to benefit from risk factor management. The potential uses of risk assessment include reassuring low-risk individuals, motivating high-risk individuals to modify their lifestyles or adhere to medical therapy, and track an individual's progress as risk factors come under better control. Despite the potential usefulness of cardiovascular risk assessment in clinical practice, the vast majority of patients have never had their cardiovascular risk assessed. This review describes the strengths and weaknesses of the currently available risk engines and suggests an approach, based on the currently available evidence, that can be used to maximize the clinical impact of risk assessment in daily clinical practice.
ISSN:0828-282X
1916-7075
DOI:10.1016/j.cjca.2011.04.008