Researchers at Weill Cornell Medical College have reported that racial classification does not change the way cardiovascular risk is calculated. The findings appeared in the journal JAMA Cardiology and contribute to ongoing discussions about how race is used in medical risk tools.
Today, clinicians commonly rely on a cardiovascular risk score that blends personal health data with demographic factors, including gender and race. Such risk scores help guide decisions about preventive medications and lifestyle interventions aimed at reducing heart disease risk.
A recent analysis drawing from more than 12,000 patients indicates that removing race from an atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk calculator does not worsen the accuracy of risk estimates. The investigators showed that measurable factors such as blood pressure, diabetes status, and cholesterol levels can reliably predict risk even without race data.
The authors acknowledge long-standing disparities in cardiovascular outcomes among different racial and ethnic groups. They point to socioeconomic factors, stress from living in underserved or isolated communities, and experiences of racism as contributors to higher hypertension and related risks. While these elements influence population health, they are not directly used to determine an individual’s risk score under the revised approach.
Other research has also suggested that including race in some medical calculations may delay the diagnosis or treatment of certain conditions, including kidney and lung diseases. In response, a growing number of medical centers have moved away from incorporating race in health risk assessments to avoid potential bias and improve equity in care.
Overall, the trend toward race-neutral risk assessment aims to focus on measurable health factors while continuing to address the broader social determinants of health that shape outcomes across communities.
In the field of cholesterol management, clinicians emphasize proven strategies to lower cholesterol through a combination of dietary changes, physical activity, and appropriate medications when indicated. Ongoing patient education and shared decision-making remain central to effective prevention and management of cardiovascular risk.