As I have mentioned previously in this blog, the best way of assessing your cardiovascular risk – and the effectiveness of treatment to lower cardiovascular risk – is through the Framingham Cardiovascular Risk Assessment Tool.
In 2008, this tool has been updated and refined to better account for blood pressure readings and whether the person is treated with anti-hypertensive medications. Unfortunately, this tool as listed in the article is not very user friendly – I have created a form for my patients that can be used with some verbal directions.
Anyway, here is the study. It finds that many docs are not using a risk assessment tool for their cardiac patients in spite of evidence indicating it is important. I suggest you talk to your doc and encourage them to use the assessment tool for you.
Be Well,
Richard