[Assessment of cardiovascular risk--PROCAM and new algorithms]

The absolute risk for myocardial infarction is best determined using algorithms or point schemes which have been developed on the basis of large prospective, epidemiological studies. In Germany, for instance, the PROCAM score developed in Münster is leading in this field. The role of new risk factors lies in the optimum risk prediction in patients with intermediary or high risk for myocardial infarction. It is not necessary to determine additional risk factors in low-risk-patients. At present there is however no conclusive epidemiological evidence so that the decision for investigating newer risk factors lies with the physician in charge. So far the target level for LDL cholesterol in patients with intermediate risk was set at 130 mg/dL, whereas in high risk patients LDL cholesterol should not be more than 100 mg/dL. The results of newer studies suggest that it might be appropriate to define a new category of patients with very high risk in whom the LDL cholesterol value should not exceed 70 mg/dL. This inference must however be substantiated by further studies before it becomes part of the general recommendations for treatment.