2013 ACC/AHA Guideline on the Assessment of Cardiovascular Risk

“Cardiovascular disease caused by atherosclerosis remains the number one cause of death, a major cause of disability and a huge source of health care costs. We must do a better job of preventing it. That means being smarter in our approach to determine who should get medications, for example.”

“It is a major step forward that the guidelines now assess risk for both heart attacks and strokes. Well-meaning experts in the field of cardiovascular prevention will disagree on some of the fine points, and this guideline is meant to inform clinical judgment rather than replace it.”

“The vast majority of heart attacks and strokes could be prevented if people knew their risk and did the things we know are effective in reducing that risk, but patients and doctors alike often underestimate cardiovascular disease risk, especially when considered over the lifespan. This document offers clinicians the most up-to-date, comprehensive guidance about assessing that risk, so they can work with their patients to prevent heart attack and stroke.”