Convergent validity of the ACC/AHA pooled cohort equations in associating with health-related quality of life among adults in the United States

Abstract

Background: The potential convergent validity of the pooled cohort risk (PCR) equations in predicting health-related quality of life (HRQOL) has yet to be evaluated, which was this study’s purpose. Methods: Data from the 2001-2011 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were used (N = 8978 adults, 40-79 years, free of cardiovascular disease at baseline). Calculation of an individual’s 10-year risk of a first atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) event was determined via the PCR equation. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) HRQOL measure was assessed utilizing 4 questions regarding participants’ perceived mental and physical health status from the past 30 days. Results: When adjusting for moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), obesity, age, gender and race-ethnicity, an ASCVD score of >20% (vs. <20%) was associated with a 0.53-unit (95% CI: 0.34-0.71) higher HRQOL score. A higher HRQOL score indicates a poorer patient perception of their mental and physical health. Conclusion: The observed association between PCR-determined ASCVD-risk scores and HRQOL provides evidence for the convergent validity of the PCR algorithms, indicating that individuals with a higher risk for a first time ASCVD-event may also have an overall worse HRQOL. As such, employing ASCVD risk reduction efforts may be an important strategy in improving an individual’s HRQOL.

Cardiovascular Disease Risk Among Older Immigrants in the United States

“…31 In our sample, the proportions were lower—76% of men and 42% of women. However, in another study using NHANES, 32 with younger (mean, 53 years old), predominately white participants, 29.9% of the participants were at an elevated risk compared with 59% overall in our study. This difference can likely be attributed to age differences between the latter sample and our own, because age is a dominant factor in 10-year risk using the PCE.…”

Cardiovascular Risk Prediction Models and Scores in the Era of Personalized Medicine

“…Compared with the Framingham risk score, the Pooled Cohort Equations score provided a better estimate of racial differences in vascular function and structure [ 34 ]. Moreover, a higher score using this equation was found to be associated with increased 24h variability of blood pressure [ 35 ] and also with worse health-related quality of life [ 36 ].…”