Work

SCORE2 Outperforms Pol-SCORE in Detecting Increased Cardiovascular Risk

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death in Europe. Despite medical advancements, modifiable risk factors—such as obesity, smoking, and physical inactivity—continue to rise, especially in high-demand professional groups like military personnel. The updated SCORE2 model offers broader assessment capabilities compared to the traditional Pol-SCORE system used in Poland. This study aimed to assess and compare cardiovascular risk using both models and evaluate self-awareness of cardiovascular risk factors among military and civilian employees. Methods: The study included military personnel and civilian defense employees who completed a health-related questionnaire and underwent clinical evaluation, including blood pressure measurement and lipid profiling. Cardiovascular risk was assessed using both Pol-SCORE (fatal events only) and SCORE2 (fatal and non-fatal events). Statistical analysis was conducted using standard parametric and nonparametric methods. Results: SCORE2 classified significantly more individuals into high or very high cardiovascular risk categories than Pol-SCORE. Differences were especially pronounced among women and civilians. Elevated blood pressure, overweight, obesity, tobacco use, and stress were commonly observed. Despite a high level of awareness about prevention, regular participation in screening was low, and many respondents underestimated their health risk, indicating the presence of unrecognized or underestimated risk. Conclusions: SCORE2 proves to be a more sensitive and comprehensive tool for cardiovascular risk evaluation. The findings emphasize the urgent need for targeted prevention strategies and health education, especially in high-risk occupational groups such as military personnel.

Source: Pathophysiology

DOI: 10.3390/pathophysiology32030045

Authors: Magdalena Zawadzka, Ewelina Ejchman-Pac, Amelia Kowalska, Paweł Szymański, Justyna Marszałkowska-Jakubik

Institutions: Medical University of Lodz, Wojskowy Instytut Higieny i Epidemiologii

Language: English

Topic: Health Promotion and Cardiovascular Prevention

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,689