Researchers looked at five "risk calculators" doctors use to weigh their patients’ risk of suffering heart attacks or strokes. They compared the numbers of heart attacks and strokes these 'calculators' predicted MESA participants would experience to the numbers MESA participants actually experienced. Turns out, most of the calculators significantly over-estimate patient risk! This is problematic because doctors use these calculators to help them decide what treatments or preventative strategies their patients need—and if they don’t have an accurate understanding of patient risk, it is harder for doctors to choose the best plan. Fortunately, MESA researchers are working to develop newer, better tools for assessing risk. For more information about this research, check out the link below.
