The study findings may persuade physicians that they can use the equations to obtain valid information. “We hope that showing that the formula works in a large nationwide group of adults will lead doctors to use it,” said Dr. Muntner. “In turn, this [practice] could lead to higher rates of appropriate use of statins and reduction in heart attack and stroke risk.”
The REGARDS study is ongoing, but follow-up at the time of the current analyses was limited to five years. Dr. Muntner’s group plans to perform additional analyses when data from a longer follow-up of participants become available.
—Erik Greb