Assessment of cardiovascular risk in primary health care.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed at investigating whether cardiovascular risk factors and their impact on total risk estimation differ between men and women.


METHODS
Cross-sectional cohort study.


METHODS
Finnish cardiovascular risk subjects (n = 904) without established cardiovascular disease, renal disease, or known diabetes.


METHODS
Ankle-brachial index (ABI), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), oral glucose tolerance test, and total cardiovascular risk using SCORE risk charts.


RESULTS
According to the SCORE risk charts, 27.0% (95% CI 23.1-31.2) of the women and 63.1% (95% CI 58.3-67.7) of the men (p < 0.001) were classified as high-risk subjects. Of the women classified as low-risk subjects according to SCORE, 25% had either subclinical peripheral arterial disease or renal insufficiency.


CONCLUSIONS
The SCORE system does not take into account cardiovascular risk factors typical in women, and thus underestimates their total cardiovascular risk. Measurement of ABI and eGFR in primary care might improve cardiovascular risk assessment. especially in women.
Central Satakunta Health Federation of Municipalities, Harjavalta, Finland. paivi.e.korhonen@fi mnet.fi
Päivi
P
Korhonen
Risto
R
Vesalainen
Pertti
P
Aarnio
Hannu
H
Kautiainen
Salme
S
Järvenpää
Ilkka
I
Kantola
D000368:Aged; D000842:Ankle / Q000098:blood supply; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000378:metabolism; D001916:Brachial Artery / Q000503:physiopathology; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003404:Creatinine / Q000097:blood; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005387:Finland / Q000453:epidemiology; D005919:Glomerular Filtration Rate; D005951:Glucose Tolerance Test; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors
D001786:Blood Glucose; D003404:Creatinine