• Cardiology Clinical Trials
• Prevention & Screening

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the number one cause of death in Trinidad and Tobago [http://www.health.gov.tt]. CVD risk scoring methods can be used to identify patients who are asymptomatic but at a high risk of developing CVD in the future. However, the generalizability of risk scores in different populations can not be assumed [Beswick AD et al. London: Royal College of General Practitioners (UK) 2008]. K. Singh, I. Ogeer, R. Bachus, and K. Mungrue, University of the West Indies, Trinidad and Tobago, presented a poster on the Evaluation of Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Asymptomatic Individuals in a Trinidadian Community. The primary objective of the study was to evaluate cardiovascular (CV) risk factors in asymptomatic individuals.

Framingham risk score models have performed well in United States populations but do not predict risk as well when applied to populations that are substantially different from the source cohort [Matheny M et al. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (US) 2011]. Qrisk, which was developed in Great Britain, encompasses traditional and newer risk factors, such as atrial fibrillation and rheumatoid arthritis. Singh et al. used a cross-sectional design and pretested questionnaire to collect data from 151 participants on relevant CV risk factors.

Outcomes showed that 6.6% of participants had a Qrisk score >20; 23 (15%) were current smokers; and 50.7% consumed alcoholic beverages. In addition, a large proportion consumed a Western-style diet only; 51.6% did not engage in physical activity; and only 48% ate fruits on a regular basis.

The authors concluded that a significant proportion of asymptomatic patients have risk factors, as identified using the Qrisk score, and underscored the need for effective prevention strategies. As CV outcomes were not followed, it is unclear whether the Qrisk score performed better than the Framingham risk score in this population.

• © 2011 MD Conference Express