The Framingham Risk Score is used to estimate a patient's 10-year cardiovascular risk. A score of 18% falls into which risk category, and what is the recommended LDL-C target?
- A Low risk (<10%); LDL-C < 160 mg/dL
- B Intermediate risk (10–20%); LDL-C < 130 mg/dL ✓
- C High risk (>20%); LDL-C < 100 mg/dL
- D Very high risk; LDL-C < 70 mg/dL mandatory
Correct answer: B. Intermediate risk (10–20%); LDL-C < 130 mg/dL
Explanation
The Framingham 10-year cardiovascular risk categories are: Low (<10%), Intermediate (10–20%), and High (>20%). A score of 18% is Intermediate risk. ACC/AHA and NCEP ATP III guidelines recommend LDL-C < 130 mg/dL for intermediate-risk patients; the optional goal is < 100 mg/dL. High-risk (>20%) patients should target LDL-C < 100 mg/dL (optional < 70 mg/dL). Very high-risk patients (established CVD + additional risk factors) should target < 70 mg/dL. The Framingham score incorporates age, sex, TC, HDL-C, BP, smoking, and diabetes status.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
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