Traditional Risk Assessment Tools Do Not Accurately Predict Coronary Heart Disease

January 07, 2009

The Framingham and National Cholesterol Education Program tools, NCEP, do not accurately predict coronary heart disease, according to a study performed at the Yale University School of Medicine in New Haven, CT.

The study included 1,653 patients who had no history of coronary heart disease; although 738 patients were taking statins (cholesterol lowering drugs like Lipitor) because of increased risk of developing coronary heart disease. All 1,653 patients underwent a coronary CT angiogram and doctors compared their risk of coronary heart disease, determined by the Framingham and NCEP risk assessment tools, to the amount of plaque actually found in their arteries as a result of the scan. Results showed that 21% of the patients who were thought to need statin drugs before the scan (because of the Framingham and NCEP assessment tools) did not require them; "26% of the patients who were already taking statins (because of the risk factor assessment tools) had no detectable plaque at all," said Kevin M. Johnson, MD, lead author of the study.

"Risk assessment tools are used by physicians implicitly. Physicians use them as a way to separate and treat patients accordingly. Ultimately, the Framingham influences what every physician does, but I feel it is not good enough to show what is happening with each individual patient," said Dr. Johnson.

"The average person tends to put a lot of weight on family history, but the association between that and coronary heart disease is only modest," said Dr. Johnson. "We are living in an era where genetic research is in the headlines, but reality is a lot more complicated than that," he said.

"There are still 400,000 people a year who die from heart attacks and have no warning signs at all; doctors want to be able to find those people before that happens and I hope this study gets people interested in finding out better predictors for coronary heart disease," said Dr. Johnson.

This study appears in the January issue of the American Journal of Roentgenology.

The American Roentgen Ray Society (ARRS)

---

---

	Coronary Heart Disease: A Guide to Diagnosis and Treatment (Addicus Nonfiction Books) by Barry M. Cohen MD (Author), Bobbie Hasselbring (Author) Coronary heart disease (CHD) is one of the most common and serious diseases in the United States, affecting 12 million Americans. This new edition addresses the concerns of those diagnosed with CHD, giving the most up-to-date and concise information regarding the disease and its treatment options. With the right medical treatment and lifestyle changes, those who suffer from CHD can live healthier and happier lives. Chapters explain how cholesterol affects the heart, what medical tests are needed, how medications work, what is involved in an angioplasty or bypass surgery, and how to spot the warning signs of a heart attack.
	Reverse Heart Disease Now: Stop Deadly Cardiovascular Plaque Before It's Too Late by Stephen T. Sinatra (Author), James C. Roberts (Author), Martin Zucker (Contributor) While most books focus solely on the role of cholesterol in heart disease, Reverse Heart Disease Now draws on new research that points to the surprising other causes. Two leading cardiologists draw on their collective fifty years of clinical cardiology research to show you how to combine the benefits of modern medicine, over-the-counter vitamins and supplements, and simple lifestyle changes to have a healthy heart.
	Living with Coronary Heart Disease: A Guide for Patients and Families (A Johns Hopkins Press Health Book) by Jerome E. Granato (Author) Coronary heart disease kills more people in the United States than any other heart disorder, and it is the leading cause of death among American women. Jerome E. Granato, a distinguished cardiologist with more than twenty-five years of experience, has created an authoritative and accessible guide to this common condition, providing patients and their families with insight and advice. Dr. Granato begins by describing the basic science of the disease, known also as atherosclerosis, in which arteries become clogged and damaged. He then explains who is at risk and how the disease is detected and diagnosed. He covers all the treatment options, from medications to surgery, and answers such questions as: • How do I know if I have coronary heart disease?• What is a heart attack?• Does my...
	Coronary Heart Disease: The Dietary Sense and Nonsense by George V. Mann (Author), George V. Mann (Editor) In this text, an international group of distinguished scientists expose the fallacy and commercial exploitation that has resulted in the developments of, for example, regulatory agencies turning a blind eye to fraudulent claims by manufacturers of margarine, vegetable oil and crisps.
	The Budwig Cancer & Coronary Heart Disease Prevention Diet: The Revolutionary Diet from Dr. Johanna Budwig, the Woman Who Discovered Omega-3s by Dr. Johanna Budwig (Author) This revolutionary diet from Dr. Johanna Budwig, the German researcher who discovered omega-3 fatty acids, shows you how to use healing essential fatty acids, the good fats, to cure yourself of cancer, heart disease and other chronic ailments. Dr. Budwig's book includes more than 150 exciting recipes and meal plans for cancer treatment, prevention and plans for children, too. The book provides hundreds of patient testimonials and cites scientific studies proving that Dr. Budwig s diet works! The Budwig Cancer & Coronary Heart Disease Prevention Diet is the long-awaited follow-up to her internationally renowned Oil-Protein Diet which has sold more than half a million copies worldwide.
	Coronary Heart Disease by New Life Enterprises, LLC How do you get coronary heart disease is a question many ask. This “Coronary Heart Disease” book is compiled from the latest research out of prestigious and respected sources on alternative health. It emphasizes how you prevent cardiovascular disease. What is heart disease, risk factors of heart disease, diet for heart disease, congestive heart disease, congenital heart disease, and preventing surgery… are all covered. Reversing heart disease is possible. What is heart disease needs explanation based upon science and good research; don’t worry, this book is written for a layman’s understanding of it. Coronary heart disease symptoms need clarification. Even mainstream cardiology is ignorant of many effective reductions of heart disease risk factors and good heart disease...
	Coronary Heart Disease in Clinical Practice by Satish Mittal (Author) Concise and thorough reference book Affordable book for healthcare professionals involved in the care for cardiac patients, such as primary care physicians, nurses and medical students Offers broad coverage on the subject Incorporates the latest research and government guidelines Discusses aspects of risk modification
	Coronary Heart Disease Prevention: A Handbook for the Health Care Team, 2e by Grace Lindsay BSc(Hons) RGN SCM RN MN (Author), Allan Gaw MD PhD MRCPath MFPM MICR (Author) Review quote "An excellent handbook which covers all aspects of coronary heart disease and will serve as a very useful reference for nurses working in primary and secondary health prevention".evidence-based content ensures a firm scientific basis for practicethe practical nature of the content can be immediately applied in the working environment e.g. smoking cessation strategies, dietary counseling and risk assessmentthe multidisciplinary group of contributors ensures that the content reflects the multidisciplinary nature of CHD prevention workcase studies and practice exercises enable the application of theory to practicesummaries of key points facilitate understanding and retentionthe implications from clinical governance legislation, the National Service Frameworks and Joint British...
	Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease: The Revolutionary, Scientifically Proven, Nutrition-Based Cure by Caldwell B. Esselstyn Jr. (Author) A powerful call for a paradigm shift in heart disease therapy. Based on the groundbreaking results of a twenty-year nutritional study by Dr. Esselstyn, a preeminent researcher and clinician, this book illustrates that a plant-based, oil-free diet can not only prevent and stop the progression of heart disease but can also reverse its effects. The proof lies in the incredible outcomes for patients who have followed Dr. Esselstyn's program, including a number of patients in his original study who had been told by their cardiologists that they had less than a year to live. Within months of starting the program, Dr. Esselstyn's patients began to improve dramatically, and twenty years later, they remain free of symptoms. Complete with more than 150...
	AYURVEDA FOR CORONARY HEART DISEASE by Http://ayurveda-foryou.com Coronary Heart Disease' is a global phenomenon. Now it has become a major health problem even in the developing countries. Ayurveda asks us to go back to our own heart, see what it really wants in life and start doing that. This is the real treatment for heart disease. Your general health is directly linked to your cardiac health. Improving cardiac health with ayurvedic regime will definitely improve your general health and thus the quality of life. In this Ebook you will learn more about the 'Holistic Healing Program' for Heart disease management. “Holistic Healing Program” is a holistic treatment evolved on the principles of Ayurveda for the rational treatment of heart disease. You will learn about - - Primary cause of heart disease - like an...