Can someone list numerical values for Risk Factors - Personal Trainer Community - Forum

[adam carsis]

I know this thread is old but for those who are currently studying for the HFS test and would like some clarification on this subject here is my best shot:

Original Question:
Is a borderline value considered a risk factor for the purposes of ACSM's Risk Stratification.

My Answer (bases on ACSM's GETP 2010 8th Edition):

ACSM stratifies people based on risk factors, known diseases and signs/symptoms. They categorize a persons risk as: low, moderate and high risk.

So what values count as being a "risk factor"?

Don't worry about wether a value is desireable, borderline or high. Just know the actual threshold value that qualifies something as a "risk factor". These values are listed in Tabe 2.3 GETP 8th ed.

Let me explain:
For example, while LDL values can be classified as desirable, borderline or high a LDL value of 130 or greater IS classified as a Risk Factor. These numbers are the ones you need to know.
The manual gives you ranges for many tests but gives you solid thresholds for qualifying risk factors.

Using the above example here is a sample question related to Risk Stratification.

Mr. Jones, who is 50 years old, has a borderline-high LDL value of 135
and has a prehypertensive Blood Pressure of 138/85.

How many risk factors does Mr. Jones have?



He has 2 according to this data. Don't let terms like "borderline" or "prehypertensive" throw you off.
Know the cuttoff values (thresholds) for Risk Factors.

1) Mr. Jones is older than 45. So that is 1 risk factor
2)Mr. Jones' LDL value is over 130. So there is another risk factor
3) but...eventhough Mr. Jones' BP puts him in the "prehypertensive" category; 138/85 is NOT over the cutoff value of 140/90. So while Mr. Jones should work on lowering his prehypertensive BP it is NOT considered a risk factor bases on Table 2.3

Having said that... what do you do with these terms like borderline, prehypertensive, desireable, ect...
Well the test may have a question like this.

Mr. Smith has a Total Cholesterol value of 190. What category is Mr. Smiths Total Cholesterol?
A) Desirable
B) Borderline High
C)High

Answer: A It is less than 200 (GETP Table 3.2 for value ranges.)


I hope that clears some of this up. Basically you need to know this stuff backwards and forwards. The ACSM's HFS test is very descriminating. You can't guess your way out of this one. You must know this material.

If you have any questions or you feel that any of the above information is wrong, feel free to send me a message or post here.
I am actually about to take this test on march 19th and this info is pretty fresh in my head. I will post a review of the test after I take it and point out any helpfull tips that I can think of.

If you would like to see some sample questions check this link and download ACSM's sample tutorial.
It explains the test and what it will look like:
ACSM | Take the ACSM Certification Exam ? American College of Sports Medicine


Good luck!

-adam

[adam carsis]

ok i just posted my review about the ACSM-HFS test over in the Advanced Credentials sections.

Check it out.