Utilizing the Framingham Risk Score to Assess Carotid Intima-Media Thickness via Ultrasound: Targeting High-Risk Patients with Subclinical Atherosclerosis - Report - MDSpire

Utilizing the Framingham Risk Score to Assess Carotid Intima-Media Thickness via Ultrasound: Targeting High-Risk Patients with Subclinical Atherosclerosis

  • By

  • Weiming Ge

  • Xuezhong Jiang

  • Hui Huang

  • Yating Li

  • Xiaojing Liu

  • Rui He

  • Hui Wang

  • Zhengqiu Zhu

  • Ping He

  • Yinping Wang

  • Xuehui Ma

  • Airong Ren

  • Bixiao Shen

  • Meijuan Wang

  • Mingxing Wei

  • February 12, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Utilizing the Framingham Risk Score to Assess Carotid Intima-Media Thickness

Overview

This study evaluates the effectiveness of the Framingham Risk Score (FRS) in identifying high-risk patients with subclinical atherosclerosis (subAS) through carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) measurements. The findings suggest that FRS can be a valuable tool in predicting increased cIMT, aiding in the early identification of patients at risk for cardiovascular events.

Background

Atherosclerosis is a leading cause of cardiovascular events and poses a significant disease burden. Subclinical atherosclerosis often presents without symptoms, making early identification crucial for preventing severe outcomes. The Framingham Risk Score is widely used for cardiovascular risk assessment, yet its effectiveness in identifying high-risk individuals with subAS remains debated.

Data Highlights

GroupParticipantscIMT-max (mm)
SubAS Group681.0 - 1.5
Control Group150< 1.0

Key Findings

  • The study involved 218 participants, with 68 diagnosed with subAS.
  • cIMT was measured using noninvasive ultrasound techniques.
  • Higher FRS was associated with increased cIMT in patients with subAS.
  • FRS may help identify patients who could benefit from early intervention to prevent atherosclerosis progression.
  • Carotid ultrasound is a valuable tool for assessing cardiovascular risk in conjunction with FRS.

Clinical Implications

Healthcare professionals should consider using the Framingham Risk Score alongside carotid intima-media thickness measurements to identify patients at high risk for cardiovascular events. This combined approach may enhance early intervention strategies for managing subclinical atherosclerosis.

Conclusion

The study supports the use of the Framingham Risk Score as a predictive tool for increased carotid intima-media thickness in patients with subclinical atherosclerosis, highlighting its potential role in early cardiovascular risk management.

References

  1. Clinical Rheumatology, 2024 -- Elevated Carotid Intima-Media Thickness Observed in Radiographic Axial Spondyloarthritis Patients Compared to Controls and Its Correlation with Inflammatory Markers
  2. European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, 2024 -- Framingham risk score associates with incident cancer and heart failure
  3. European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, 2024 -- The Relationship Between Midlife Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet and Subclinical Carotid Atherosclerosis in Individuals Aged 60
  4. BMC Neurology, 2026 -- Framingham risk score in predicting increased carotid intima-media thickness on ultrasound: identifying patients with subclinical atherosclerosis at high risk
  5. Critical Care (Springer) — AI-driven carotid artery compressibility assessment via point-of-care ultrasound for blood pressure estimation in critically ill and post-resuscitation patients: a prospective observational study
  6. Predicting Risk of cardiovascular disease EVENTs (PREVENT) Calculator - Professional Heart Daily | American Heart Association
  7. Framingham risk score in predicting increased carotid intima-media thickness on ultrasound: identifying patients with subclinical atherosclerosis at high risk | BMC Neurology | Springer Nature Link

Original Source(s)

Utilizing the Framingham Risk Score to Assess Carotid Intima-Media Thickness via Ultrasound: Targeting High-Risk Patients with Subclinical Atherosclerosis

  • by Weiming Ge, Xuezhong Jiang, Hui Huang, Yating Li, Xiaojing Liu, Rui He, Hui Wang, Zhengqiu Zhu, Ping He, Yinping Wang, Xuehui Ma, Airong Ren, Bixiao Shen, Meijuan Wang, Mingxing Wei

  • February 12, 2026

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