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ASCVD Risk Score

Meaning

The ASCVD Risk Score is a quantitative clinical tool used to estimate an individual’s 10-year risk of developing a first atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) event, such as a heart attack or stroke. This calculation integrates key cardiovascular risk factors, including age, sex, race, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, blood pressure, diabetes status, and smoking history. Clinicians utilize this score to guide primary prevention strategies, particularly decisions regarding the initiation of lipid-lowering or blood pressure-lowering therapies, which is especially relevant when monitoring hormonal interventions that may influence lipid profiles.