QRISK 3 and ASCVD Risk Calculator in Patients with Diabetes and Their Correlation with Coronary Artery Calcium Scores.

INTRODUCTION

Diabetes mellitus is an independent risk factor for asymptomatic cardiovascular disease (CVD). The QRISK 3 score and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk scores determine the risk of developing CVD over 10 years. The CT coronary artery calcium score (CACS) is a non-invasive imaging modality that identifies sub-clinical atherosclerosis. We studied the correlation between the QRISK 3 and ASCVD scores and the CACS and determined the cut-off for QRISK 3 and ASCVD scores that corresponded to a moderate or accentuated CACS (≥100).

METHODS

In this prospective study, outpatients with diabetes and no prior coronary artery disease (CAD) or their equivalents, or having symptoms suggestive of angina or heart failure, had their QRISK 3 and ASCVD scores calculated. They subsequently underwent 256 slice cardiac CT, and CACS was calculated by the Agatston method.

RESULTS

A statistically significant correlation (r = 0.28) was found between QRISK 3 and ASCVD with CACS ( = 0.004 and = 0.007, respectively). A QRISK score >23 and ASCVD score >10 predicted a CACS score >100 with sensitivities of 85% and 90%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The QRISK 3 and ASCVD scores can be used to triage patients who require further evaluation with CACS to determine the risk of future CVD.