1. What is a CHA2DS2-VASc Score Calculator?

Definition: This calculator computes the CHA2DS2-VASc Score, a clinical tool used to assess the risk of stroke in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF). It considers seven risk factors: Congestive Heart Failure, Hypertension, Age, Diabetes, Stroke/TIA history, Vascular Disease, and Sex.

Purpose: The CHA2DS2-VASc Score helps clinicians determine the need for anticoagulation therapy to prevent stroke in AF patients, balancing the risk of thromboembolism against the risk of bleeding.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator evaluates the following risk factors and assigns points:

• Congestive Heart Failure: 1 point if present.
• Hypertension: 1 point if present (BP >140/90 mmHg or on treatment).
• Age: 1 point if 65–74 years, 2 points if ≥75 years.
• Diabetes Mellitus: 1 point if present.
• Stroke/TIA History: 2 points if present.
• Vascular Disease: 1 point if present (e.g., prior MI, peripheral artery disease, aortic plaque).
• Sex: 1 point if female.

Total Score: The sum of points (0–9) indicates stroke risk.

Steps:

• Input the patient’s conditions and age.
• Compute the CHA2DS2-VASc Score.
• View the risk classification, annual stroke risk, and anticoagulation recommendation.

3. Importance of CHA2DS2-VASc Score Calculations

Calculating the CHA2DS2-VASc Score is useful for:

• Stroke Risk Assessment: Identifies AF patients at risk of stroke or thromboembolism.
• Treatment Decisions: Guides the use of anticoagulation therapy to prevent stroke while considering bleeding risks (assessed via HAS-BLED score).
• Patient Management: Helps clinicians tailor therapy, balancing stroke prevention with bleeding risk.

CHA2DS2-VASc Score and Stroke Risk

Score	Risk Classification	Annual Stroke Risk (%)	Recommendation
0	Low	0.2	No antithrombotic therapy
1	Low-Moderate	0.6	Consider antiplatelet or anticoagulation
2	Moderate-High	2.2	Oral anticoagulation recommended
3	Moderate-High	3.2	Oral anticoagulation recommended
4	High	4.8	Oral anticoagulation strongly recommended
5	High	7.2	Oral anticoagulation strongly recommended
6	High	9.7	Oral anticoagulation strongly recommended
7	High	11.2	Oral anticoagulation strongly recommended
8–9	High	12.0–13.0	Oral anticoagulation strongly recommended

4. Using the Calculator

Examples:

• Example 1: Female, 76 years, Hypertension, Diabetes
  Score: Hypertension (1) + Age ≥75 (2) + Diabetes (1) + Female (1) = 5 points.
  Classification: High (Annual Stroke Risk: 7.2%).
  Recommendation: Oral anticoagulation is strongly recommended.
• Example 2: Male, 60 years, No other conditions
  Score: 0 points.
  Classification: Low (Annual Stroke Risk: 0.2%).
  Recommendation: No antithrombotic therapy is typically required.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What does the CHA2DS2-VASc Score indicate?
A: It estimates the annual risk of stroke in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. Higher scores indicate a greater risk, guiding anticoagulation decisions.

Q: How does CHA2DS2-VASc differ from CHADS2?
A: CHA2DS2-VASc includes additional risk factors (age 65–74, vascular disease, female sex) for better stratification, especially in low-risk patients.

Q: Should I also assess bleeding risk?
A: Yes, use the HAS-BLED score to evaluate bleeding risk before initiating anticoagulation therapy.

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