Epidemiologic studies underline the responsibility of the cumulative effect of cardiovascular risk factors on mortality and morbidity. These data have let to the elaboration of equations predicting the risk of coronary heart disease. This probability, which defines the absolute cardiovascular risk, can be assessed using Framingham formula, Laurier-Chau's risk table, derived from the Framingham model, Ducimetière and PROCAM study' prediction models. The main interest of these equations is to give the cumulative effect of risk factors. They can be used to evaluate the advantages of primary prevention. Equations do not take into account several factors, such as body mass index, fibrinogene and lipoprotein (a) values, which have an influence on cardiovascular mortality while others are studied in their qualitative aspects (smoking status, diabetes). Furthermore, equations are not applicable to the whole population. The absolute cardiovascular is a useful tool from an epidemiologic and individual standpoint, but the limits of the different models must be known.