SCORE2 models allow consideration of sex-specific CVD risks by region

Abstract

SCORE2 is a risk algorithm developed to estimate 10-year cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in men and women from four different risk regions of Europe1, which is now recommended for use by the 2021 ESC Guidelines on cardiovascular disease prevention in clinical practice2. We agree with Kimenai et al [ref comment] on the need for consideration of sex differences in cardiovascular disease risk in both basic, clinical and translational research and prevention guidelines. Indeed, our development of the SCORE2 algorithm recognised this, with all steps of model development performed separately for each sex. This has resulted in accurate and externally validated prediction algorithms for both men and women, with further research validation and clinical application facilitated by different translational tools already provided (or in progress), including: easy-to-use risk charts (main paper Figure 3), statistical software program --score2risk-- (https://www.phpc.cam.ac.uk/ceu/erfc/programs/).