Cardiovascular risk-estimation systems in primary prevention: do they differ? Do they make a difference? Can we see the future?

In this review of cardiovascular risk estimation, we focus on 4 key aspects: (1) The rationale for estimating cardiovascular risk; (2) a comparison of current cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk-estimation systems; (3) an examination of whether there is any evidence that cardiovascular risk estimation improves patient outcomes; and (4) how CVD risk estimation may change in the future. Some of the material presented is derived from a recent general review of cardiovascular risk scores1 that we have used to underpin the present, more focused discussion.