1. What is the CHA₂DS₂-VASc Score?

The CHA₂DS₂-VASc score estimates stroke risk in patients with atrial fibrillation. It helps guide decisions about anticoagulation therapy to prevent strokes.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator sums points from risk factors:

Risk Factors:

• Congestive Heart Failure (1 point)
• Hypertension (1 point)
• Age ≥75 years (2 points)
• Diabetes Mellitus (1 point)
• Stroke/TIA/Thromboembolism (2 points)
• Vascular Disease (1 point)
• Age 65-74 years (1 point)
• Female Sex (1 point)

3. Importance of Stroke Risk Assessment

Details: Accurate stroke risk assessment is crucial for balancing stroke prevention benefits against bleeding risks from anticoagulation in atrial fibrillation patients.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Check all applicable risk factors. Score determines annual stroke risk and guides anticoagulation decisions.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between CHADS₂ and CHA₂DS₂-VASc?
A: CHA₂DS₂-VASc includes additional risk factors (age 65-74, vascular disease, female sex) for better risk stratification.

Q2: When is anticoagulation recommended?
A: Generally recommended for scores ≥2 in men or ≥3 in women, with individualized decision for score 1.

Q3: Does this apply to all atrial fibrillation patients?
A: Primarily for non-valvular AF. Valvular AF (e.g., with mitral stenosis) automatically qualifies for anticoagulation.

Q4: How often should the score be reassessed?
A: Annually or when new risk factors develop.

Q5: What about bleeding risk?
A: Use HAS-BLED score to assess bleeding risk, but high bleeding risk alone shouldn't deny anticoagulation.