Framingham risk score conventional risk factors are potent to predict all-cause mortality using machine learning

QianQian Huang1,2, TianShu Zeng1,2, JiaoYue Zhang1,2

  • 1Union Hospital, Department of Endocrinology, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.

Insights

Framingham risk score factors effectively predict all-cause mortality in adults over 40 using machine learning. These conventional risk factors show potent predictive performance, similar to models using extensive data.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Biostatistics
  • Gerontology

Background:

  • Predicting all-cause mortality is crucial for efficient public health interventions.
  • The Framingham risk score (FRS) is a widely used tool for cardiovascular disease prediction.
  • Machine learning (ML) offers potential for improving predictive model performance.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop and evaluate all-cause mortality prediction models using five ML algorithms.
  • To determine if conventional FRS risk factors are sufficient for predicting all-cause mortality in individuals over 40 years.
  • To compare the predictive performance of models using FRS factors versus all available features.

Main Methods:

  • A 10-year population-based prospective cohort study in China (2011-2021).
  • Inclusion of 9143 individuals over 40 years in 2011, with 6879 followed up in 2021.
  • Development of prediction models using decision trees, random forest, SVM, XGBoost, and logistic regression, with either FRS factors or 182 available features.
  • Model performance evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC).

Main Results:

  • Models using FRS conventional risk factors achieved AUCs ranging from 0.75 to 0.78 across five ML algorithms.
  • Models utilizing all available features (182 items) showed slightly higher AUCs, ranging from 0.78 to 0.85.
  • The predictive performance of models based on FRS factors was comparable to those using a comprehensive feature set.

Conclusions:

  • Conventional Framingham risk score factors are potent predictors of all-cause mortality in individuals over 40 years when analyzed with machine learning algorithms.
  • The findings suggest that FRS conventional risk factors provide substantial predictive power for all-cause mortality, potentially simplifying risk assessment.
  • Further research could explore the integration of additional factors to further enhance predictive accuracy.