CHA2DS2-VASc Calculator

The CHA2DS2-VASc score is a clinical risk-stratification tool used for people with atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter. It summarizes common characteristics associated with ischemic stroke and systemic thromboembolism. The letters represent congestive heart failure, hypertension, age, diabetes mellitus, prior stroke or transient ischemic attack, vascular disease, and sex category. Most factors contribute one point. Age 75 years or older and previous stroke, TIA, or thromboembolism each contribute two points, which explains the number 2 in the score name. This calculator assigns one point for heart failure, hypertension, diabetes, vascular disease, female sex category, and age from 65 through 74. It assigns two points for age 75 or older and two for prior stroke, TIA, or systemic thromboembolism. Age categories are mutually exclusive. The total ranges from zero through nine. A higher total generally corresponds to a higher untreated annual thromboembolic risk, but the exact percentage varies among populations and studies. The score helps clinicians identify patients who may benefit from oral anticoagulation. It does not automatically prescribe a medicine or dose. Recommendations differ by guideline, sex, score threshold, valve disease, and other clinical features. Female sex is generally treated as a risk modifier rather than an isolated reason for anticoagulation. Bleeding risk, kidney and liver function, drug interactions, pregnancy, patient preferences, and the type of atrial fibrillation all matter when selecting therapy. Use diagnoses that are clinically established rather than symptoms alone. Vascular disease commonly includes prior myocardial infarction, peripheral artery disease, or aortic plaque. Hypertension may count when there is a history of diagnosed hypertension, even if a current reading is controlled by medication. Heart failure criteria should follow the relevant guideline or documented ventricular dysfunction. This score applies to thromboembolic risk in atrial fibrillation and should not be used as a general stroke calculator for people without that rhythm disorder. It also does not estimate bleeding risk. A qualified clinician should review the result and reassess it over time because age and newly diagnosed conditions can change the score. New weakness, facial droop, speech difficulty, loss of balance, or sudden severe neurological symptoms require emergency assessment regardless of any calculated score.