Comparison of Cardiovascular Risk Estimation and Statin Prescribing in Primary Care: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Cardiovascular risk percentages differ between those calculated using an electronic medical record tool and those calculated with online calculators. Depending on the tool used, a proportion of patients may fall into a different cardiovascular risk category, resulting in different management decisions. Specifically, patients who would fall into a lower risk category could be considered for lifestyle management alone rather than statin initiation. Further research is needed to guide consistent use of available point-of-care risk tools by clinicians, and clinical practice guidelines should incorporate these recommendations.