CHA2DS2-VASc Score Calculator

How to calculate CHA2DS2-VASc?

The CHA2DS2-VASc score is a clinical tool used to estimate stroke risk in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. It improves upon older models by adding common stroke risk factors found in clinical practice.

• Congestive heart failure: 1 point
• Hypertension: 1 point
• A2ge (≥ 75 years): 2 points
• Diabetes mellitus: 1 point
• S2troke/TIA/Thromboembolism: 2 points
• Vascular disease: 1 point
• Age (65-74 years): 1 point
• Sex category (Female): 1 point

Using the CHA2DS2-VASc calculator: an example

To illustrate how the scoring works, consider a 76-year-old female patient with a history of hypertension and vascular disease (such as a previous myocardial infarction).

Step-by-step calculation:

1. Age (75+): +2 points
2. Sex Category (Female): +1 point
3. Hypertension: +1 point
4. Vascular Disease: +1 point
5. Final CHA2DS2-VASc Score: 5 points

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the difference between CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc?
CHA2DS2-VASc is an evolution of the original CHADS2 score. It includes additional risk factors—vascular disease, age 65-74, and female sex—making it better at identifying 'truly low-risk' patients who may not require anticoagulation.

2. When should anticoagulation be started?
Generally, clinical guidelines suggest oral anticoagulation should be considered for men with a score of 1 and women with a score of 2. It is strongly recommended for men with a score ≥ 2 and women with a score ≥ 3.

3. What does 'Vascular disease' include?
The 'V' component stands for vascular disease, which includes a history of prior myocardial infarction (heart attack), peripheral artery disease (PAD), or complex aortic plaque. Presence of any of these adds 1 point to the score.