There is uncertainty whether current strategies for providing CVD risk scores  affect CVD events .
Providing CVD risk scores may slightly reduce CVD risk factor levels and may increase preventive medication prescribing in higher-risk people without evidence of harm .
BACKGROUND The current paradigm for cardiovascular disease ( CVD ) emphasises absolute risk assessment to guide treatment decisions in primary prevention .
Although the derivation and validation of multivariable risk assessment tools , or CVD risk scores , have attracted considerable attention , their effect on clinical outcomes is uncertain .
OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of evaluating and providing CVD risk scores in adults without prevalent CVD on cardiovascular outcomes , risk factor levels , preventive medication prescribing , and health behaviours .
EDUCORE project: a clinical trial, randomised by clusters, to assess the effect of a visual learning method on blood pressure control in the primary healthcare setting
Background High blood pressure ( HBP ) is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease ( CVD ) . European hypertension and cardiology societies as well as expert committees on CVD prevention recommend stratifying cardiovascular risk using the SCORE method , the modification of lifestyles to prevent CVD , and achieving good control over risk factors . The EDUCORE ( Education and Coronary Risk Evaluation ) project aims to determine whether the use of a cardiovascular risk visual learning method - the EDUCORE method - is more effective than normal clinical practice in improving the control of blood pressure within one year in patients with poorly controlled hypertension but no background of CVD ; Methods / Design This work describes a protocol for a clinical trial , r and omised by clusters and involving 22 primary healthcare clinics , to test the effectiveness of the EDUCORE method . The number of patients required was 736 , all between 40 and 65 years of age ( n = 368 in the EDUCORE and control groups ) , all of whom had been diagnosed with HBP at least one year ago , and all of whom had poorly controlled hypertension ( systolic blood pressure ≥ 140 mmHg and /or diastolic ≥ 90 mmHg ) . All personnel taking part were explained the trial and trained in its methodology . The EDUCORE method contemplates the visualisation of low risk SCORE scores using images embodying different stages of a high risk action , plus the receipt of a pamphlet explaining how to better maintain cardiac health . The main outcome variable was the control of blood pressure ; secondary outcome variables included the SCORE score , therapeutic compliance , quality of life , and total cholesterol level . All outcome variables were measured at the beginning of the experimental period and again at 6 and 12 months . Information on sex , age , educational level , physical activity , body mass index , consumption of medications , change of treatment and blood analysis results was also recorded ; Discussion The EDUCORE method could provide a simple , inexpensive means of improving blood pressure control , and perhaps other health problems , in the primary healthcare setting ; Trial registration The trial was registered with Clinical Trials.gov , number NCT01155973 [ http:// Clinical Trials.gov ]
There is uncertainty whether current strategies for providing CVD risk scores  affect CVD events .
Providing CVD risk scores may slightly reduce CVD risk factor levels and may increase preventive medication prescribing in higher-risk people without evidence of harm .
BACKGROUND The current paradigm for cardiovascular disease ( CVD ) emphasises absolute risk assessment to guide treatment decisions in primary prevention .
Although the derivation and validation of multivariable risk assessment tools , or CVD risk scores , have attracted considerable attention , their effect on clinical outcomes is uncertain .
OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of evaluating and providing CVD risk scores in adults without prevalent CVD on cardiovascular outcomes , risk factor levels , preventive medication prescribing , and health behaviours .