About
The CHA₂DS₂-VASc score is a clinical prediction rule for estimating the risk of stroke in patients with non-rheumatic atrial fibrillation (AF). The acronym stands for Congestive heart failure, Hypertension, Age ≥75 years (doubled), Diabetes mellitus, Stroke (doubled), Vascular disease, Age 65–74 years, and Sex category (female). Each factor is assigned a certain number of points, and the total score is used to estimate the risk of stroke. This calculator is specifically applicable to patients with non-rheumatic atrial fibrillation, including those who are being considered for anticoagulation therapy. The clinical utility of the CHA₂DS₂-VASc score is to guide clinicians in making decisions about anticoagulation therapy, as higher scores indicate a greater risk of stroke and may warrant more aggressive treatment. The CHA₂DS₂-VASc score should not be used in patients with rheumatic atrial fibrillation, as the risk factors and stroke risk in these patients are different. It is also not applicable to patients with transient causes of atrial fibrillation, such as those due to a reversible cause like surgery or acute illness.