Objective: The SCORE scale is applied to assess the total cardiovascular risk. Risk stratification system of Recommendations (ESH)/(ESC) (2003, 2007) unlike the SCORE scale allows to give a more accurate assessment of the risk range with using results of tool methods of investigation.

Aim: To assess the degree of cardiovascular (CV) risk adjustment in patients with low and moderate risk by the SCORE scale, who were further examined in accordance with the ESH/ESC scale (2003,2007), and also underwent carotid duplex ultrasound studies.

Material and methods: 600 patients with low and moderate cardiovascular risk by the “SCORE” scale were selected: 445 women and 155 men in the age 30–65y. We used duplex ultrasound imaging of carotid arteries.

Results: Risk stratification has been accomplished according to the scale of ESH/ESC (2003, 2007) Recommendations and applying the data of the carotid duplex ultrasound imaging. Among 600 patients only 35% patients were remained in the low risk group, 33% patients in the moderate risk group and 31% patients were converted into the high risk group. The reason for moving the patients to the high risk group was detection of carotid artery plagues (100%). The contribution of ultrasound parameters to risk stratification has been compared: plagues were detected in 59% patients, IMT >0,9 mm was found in 5%. Moreover, the IMT >0,9 mm occurred only in 7% patients with plagues and only 0,8% without plagues.

Conclusion: The assessment of CV risk should include carotid duplex ultrasound studies to reveal plagues. The level of CV risk was affected by carotid plagues presence to substantially greater extent than by IMT.