The Framingham cardiovascular risk score in multiple sclerosis.
OBJECTIVE
Cardiovascular risk factors can increase the risk of multiple sclerosis (MS) and modify its course. However, such factors possibly interact, determining a global cardiovascular risk. Our aim was to compare the global cardiovascular risk of subjects with and without MS with the simplified 10-year Framingham General Cardiovascular Disease Risk Score (FR) and to evaluate its importance on MS-related outcomes.


METHODS
Age, gender, smoking status, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, type II diabetes and use of antihypertensive medications were recorded in subjects with and without MS to estimate the FR, an individualized percentage risk score estimating the 10-year likelihood of cardiovascular events.


RESULTS
In total, 265 MS subjects were identified with 530 matched controls. A t test showed similar FR in cases and controls (P = 0.212). Secondary progressive MS presented significantly higher FR compared to relapsing-remitting MS (P < 0.001). Linear regression analysis showed a direct relationship between FR and Expanded Disability Status Scale (P < 0.001) and MS Severity Scale (P < 0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
The FR, evaluating the global cardiovascular health by the interaction amongst different risk factors, relates to MS disability, severity and course.
Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, Federico II University, Naples, Italy.
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Moccia
Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, Federico II University, Naples, Italy.
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http://orcid.org/0000-0001-6388-8180
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Lanzillo
Department of Public Health, Federico II University, Naples, Italy.|Department of Primary Care and Public Health, Imperial College, London, UK.
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Palladino
Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, Federico II University, Naples, Italy.|Neurology Clinic, AORN 'Antonio Cardarelli', Naples, Italy.
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Maniscalco
Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, Federico II University, Naples, Italy.
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De Rosa
Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, Federico II University, Naples, Italy.
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Russo
Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, Federico II University, Naples, Italy.
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Massarelli
Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, Federico II University, Naples, Italy.
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Carotenuto
Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, Federico II University, Naples, Italy.
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Postiglione
Department of Public Health, Federico II University, Naples, Italy.
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Caporale
Department of Public Health, Federico II University, Naples, Italy.
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M
Triassi
Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, Federico II University, Naples, Italy.
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Brescia Morra
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D015897:Comorbidity; D018450:Disease Progression; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020528:Multiple Sclerosis, Chronic Progressive / Q000453:epidemiology*; D020529:Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012306:Risk; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D055815:Young Adult
Framingham; cardiovascular; comorbidities; multiple sclerosis