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Astro-CHARMAstro-CHARM
Astro-CHARMAstro-CHARM
  • Calculator
  • User Guide
  • Prevention Resources
  • About Astro-CHARM

AstroCHARM User Guide

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Overview
The Astronaut Cardiovascular Health and Risk Modification (Astro-CHARM) calculator is a tool that incorporates traditional risk factor information with coronary artery calcium (CAC) score results to estimate ones 10-year risk of atherosclerotic disease event (ASCVD), including fatal or non-fatal heart attack or stroke.  It is intended for use in younger individuals (ages 40-65) without a prior history of ASCVD.  The Astro-CHARM was developed using data from three large, population-based cohorts (the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis, Dallas Heart Study, and Prospective Army Coronary Calcium Project), and validated in a fourth cohort (the Framingham Heart Study).
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What You Will Need
In order to estimate one’s 10-year risk of ASCVD, information is required on demographics (age, race, sex) and traditional cardiovascular risk factor values as described in the Information Regarding Factors section below.  One will also need a CAC score in Agatston units.  CRP values are optional, and the Astro-CHARM is really two different calculators- one with and one without CRP.  Family history of heart attack information can be very helpful in assessing ASCVD risk as well, if known.
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What to do with the Results
The Astro-CHARM calculator will provide an estimated 10-year risk of ASCVD events for someone with these characteristics, risk factors, and CAC values.  The results may be helpful as one component of a conversation on shared decision making with one’s healthcare provider about opportunities for cardiovascular disease prevention.

Information Regarding Factors

Coronary Artery Calcium
Coronary artery calcium (CAC) value is the total score in Agatston units.  This value must be entered in order to obtain a result from the Astro-CHARM calculator.  If a CAC score is not available, other 10-year ASCVD risk calculators that require just demographics and traditional cardiovascular risk factors should be used.
Gender
Male or Female
Age
Age at the time of risk factor measurements and CAC score results.  The Astro-CHARM will provide an estimated 10-year risk of ASCVD from that time/age.
Race / Ethnicity
Please select what you think most closely matches your race/ethnicity: White, Black, Hispanic, or Other.
Cholesterol: Total
Most recent total cholesterol values.  The Astro-CHARM is best applied to individuals not already on statins.
Cholesterol: HDL
Most recent HDL cholesterol values.  The Astro-CHARM is best applied to individuals not already on statins.
Systolic Blood Pressure
Most recent systolic blood pressure value, regardless of whether you are or are not taking blood pressure medications.
Hypertension Treatment?
Are you currently taking any medications for hypertension or high blood pressure (yes or now)?
Diabetes
Do you have diabetes (yes/no)?  Diabetes for Astro-CHARM is defined by taking medications to treat diabetes or having high blood glucose values (fasting glucose ≥126 mg/dL).
Currently Smoke?
Do you currently smoke cigarettes regularly. If so, then select “Yes” for this item.
Family History of Heart Attack?
Family history of heart attack is defined by the Astro-CHARM as having a first degree relative (parent, sibling, child) with a heart attack at any age.  If you are unsure about your family history, you can see the different results you get when you enter “Yes” and when you enter “No”.  Most commonly, we use “No” when we are unsure about this history.
C-Reactive Protein
If you have had a high-sensitivity C-reactive protein blood test, you can select “Yes” for C-Reactive Protein Measured and enter the result.  Note that for Astro-CHARM you should enter the result in mg/L.  Some CRP results are in mg/dL- you can convert this value to mg/L by multiplying x 10.  If you have not had a high-sensitivity C-reactive protein blood test, select “No” for this item.

Have technical questions?

Have a technical question about the Astro-CHARM calculator or website? Please feel free to contact us at the email below.


  • info@astrocharm.org

AstroCHARM

10-Year ASCVD Risk Calculator with Coronary Artery Calcium



Disclaimer

Astro-CHARM (the “App”) assists patients and healthcare providers in estimating the 10-year risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) incorporating traditional cardiovascular risk factors and coronary artery calcium score values.  The App is intended for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional care by a qualified medical professional. The App does not constitute medical advice or services. Using and accessing the App does not create a physician-patient relationship between the App owner and the user.  It should not be used by patients without direct consultation and supervision of their healthcare provider. The use of the App is provided on an “as is” basis. The App owner, its affiliates, licensors, and content contributors, to the fullest extent provided by law,  are not responsible for ensuring that your implementation of the App or the site content or the results of the App will be clinically sound, error-free, or that defects, if any will be corrected.

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