What is the purpose of the Framingham Heart Study?
The Framingham Heart Study is a long-term, ongoing cardiovascular cohort study which began in 1948 with the goal of identifying common factors that contribute to cardiovascular disease. The study has contributed to understanding numerous risk factors for heart disease, such as obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking, as well as providing insight into the dynamics of the progression of the disease. The study has also developed a risk profile for use in primary care settings to help identify individuals at risk for cardiovascular disease.