Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this quality improvement project is to utilize the ASCVD risk score calculator in a primary care setting to improve prevention of cardiovascular disease by identifying patients at risk for cardiovascular disease.|Background: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death globally and is largely preventable. Dyslipidemia is a significant risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Research over the past decade has raised concern if health care providers are adequately screening patients at risk for cardiovascular disease and treating at risk patients sufficiently. Through screening, education, use of the ASCVD risk calculator, and medication use, health care teams can communicate with patients to understand risks over time and quantify potential benefits of preventative therapies which includes lipid optimization.|Sample/Setting: Primary Care Clinic|Methods: The inclusion criteria were specific to the ASCVD risk calculator. Participants had to be between the age of 20-79, had a total cholesterol value between 130-320, HDL value between 20-100, and LDL value between 30-300. Individuals that had pre-existing atherosclerotic disease were excluded from the project. Participants were selected if they were presenting to the clinic for a diabetes follow up, hypertension follow up, or wellness visit. An ASCVD risk score was calculated for each participant. The participants received education on the ASCVD risk score meaning and how to lower the ASCVD risk score to prevent future cardiovascular events.|Results: Percentage of ASCVD risk score documentation and education in the EMR increased by 8.8% with treatment based on the calculated score. The average ASCVD risk score was 7.6%.|Conclusion: Use of the ASCVD risk calculator is a proven strategy for preventing or managing cardiovascular risk factors. Utilizing the ASCVD risk score calculator to generate shared decision-making between providers and patients displayed an increase in risk score documentation and education.