The race-free MESA risk score was developed using the same methods as the original MESA risk score, except that neither race/ethnicity nor any interaction with race/ethnicity was included in the model. A thorough comparison of performance demonstrated that it performs comparably to the original MESA risk score.

Like the original MESA risk score, the race-free MESA risk score seeks to quantify an individual’s 10-year risk of coronary heart disease (myocardial infarction, cardiac arrest, confirmed angina requiring revascularization, coronary heart disease death). It can be calculated with or without the use of coronary artery calcium (CAC). The inclusion of CAC does improve the risk score’s discrimination and calibration, and consequently, CAC should be included whenever it is available.

This project was supported by the American Heart Association data grant “Debiasing Clinical Care Algorithms”, awarded in 2024.

The manuscript detailing the methods for this work has been submitted but has not yet been published. We presented this work at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions: 

White Q, Hansen S, McClelland R, et al. Abstract 4142041: Re-evaluating the Use of Race/Ethnicity in the MESA Risk Score. Circulation. 2024;150(Suppl_1). doi:10.1161/circ.150.suppl_1.4142041