Age-dependent versus single SCORE2 thresholds for identifying carotid atherosclerosis in primary prevention

European Society of Cardiology guidelines permit either age-dependent or single age-independent SCORE2 thresholds for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk classification. This study examined their concordance with carotid atherosclerosis.

We studied 954 adults aged 40-69 years without ASCVD, diabetes, or chronic kidney disease from community screening programs (mean age 56.7 ± 8.0 years, men 42.9%, antihypertensive/lipid-lowering drug treatment 40.9%/43.7% respectively, SCORE2 5.4 ± 3.4%). High ASCVD risk was defined using age-dependent or single age-independent (≥10%) SCORE2 thresholds. Non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was adjusted for lipid-lowering therapy. Carotid plaque score (CPS) was assessed by ultrasonography. Among 857 participants with SCORE2 <10%, age-dependent thresholds reclassified 453 (52.9%) as high/very-high risk. Carotid atherosclerosis (CPS≥1) was more frequent among reclassified versus low-moderate risk participants (52.8% versus 23.8%; OR 3.58, 95% CI 2.67-4.81; P < 0.001). In the total sample, agreement with CPS was higher using age-dependent versus single thresholds (64%, κ = 0.30 versus 62%, κ = 0.12; P < 0.05). Sensitivity/specificity for carotid atherosclerosis was 76%/56% and 16%/94%, respectively. Optimal SCORE2 cut-offs for identifying carotid atherosclerosis closely matched the guideline-recommended age-dependent thresholds.

Age-dependent SCORE2 thresholds showed better agreement with imaging evidence of carotid atherosclerosis than a single age-independent threshold, supporting their preferential use for ASCVD risk stratification and treatment decision-making.