The Framingham Heart Disease Epidemiology Study opened the eyes of the public and medical community about specific risk factors and how they might contribute to heart disease. In fact, the term “risk factor” was coined by Framingham researchers as a direct result of their findings.

A coronary risk profile is a measure of a person's chance of having some type of heart-related problem in the next 10 years. It is determined by using a simple score sheet based on risk factors identified by the Framingham study. The overall coronary risk profile takes into account both controllable risk factors (e.g., diet, smoking status) and uncontrollable risk factors (e.g., age, gender).

A person at higher risk can take preventive measures recommended by their physician, such as lifestyle changes and/or medication, to lower their chances of a heart-related problem.

While there is no guarantee that healthy living or medication will keep heart disease completely at bay, they can improve a person's physical and emotional quality of life. Also, because risk factors are often related to each other, making changes in one area can lead to positive differences in other areas. Lowering the risk factor for a certain disease or condition is one of the best preventive measures an individual can take to guard his or her health.