ASSIGN is a cardiovascular risk scoring tool, developed in collaboration with Dundee University, Scotland in 2006.
ASSIGN includes social deprivation and family history of cardiovascular disease, with the classic risk factors. It identifies people free of cardiovascular disease most likely to develop it over ten years. ‘High risk’ (score 20 or more) implies risk-lowering medication and/or other medical help. ASSIGN is the cardiovascular risk score chosen for use by Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) and Scottish Government Health Directorates.
- Age: 48
- BP: 130/78
- Cholesterol: 6.2 mmol/l :HDL 1.4mmol/l
- Smoking : 20 daily
- No significant family history
- Post code: QQ1 1QQ
Calculate Anne’s risk using the: ASSIGN tool.
Additional information
- Ht 1.68m
- Weight 85kg BMI (30)
- Waist circumference: 94cm
- Glucose 5.8 mmol/l
- Takes minimal exercise
- Drinks 10 units on a Saturday night
- Eats a lot of ready meals
- Anxious and depressed due to money worries and being single parent
- Poor social support
Key
- At risk
- Increasing risk
- Low risk
As you can see from the previous exercise, like many assessment tools, ASSIGN has limitations. It does not address physical activity, diet, alcohol or mental health issues. In addition, it does not factor in Pulse (either rate or regularity), which means that undiagnosed or unidentified atrial fibrillation would underestimate cardiovascular risk.
Pulse point
What do you think are Anne’s specific issues that require to be addressed? Consider the tools you use within your own area.
Page last reviewed: 25 May 2020
