CHA₂DS₂-VASc Score

The CHA₂DS₂-VASc score is a widely used clinical prediction tool designed to estimate the annual risk of stroke and systemic thromboembolism in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF). It represents an improved refinement of the earlier CHADS₂ score, incorporating additional risk factors for better stratification, particularly among lower-risk individuals. 

The acronym stands for: Congestive heart failure (1 point), Hypertension (1 point), Age ≥75 years (2 points), Diabetes mellitus (1 point), prior Stroke/TIA/thromboembolism (2 points), Vascular disease (1 point), Age 65–74 years (1 point), and Sex category (female, 1 point).

 Scores range from 0 to 9, with higher values indicating greater stroke risk. Guidelines (such as those from ESC and AHA) generally recommend oral anticoagulation for scores ≥2 in men or ≥3 in women, while considering it for intermediate scores, helping clinicians guide decisions on antithrombotic therapy to prevent potentially devastating thromboembolic events.

CHA₂DS₂-VASc Score

Stroke / Systemic Thromboembolism Risk in Non-Valvular Atrial Fibrillation

CHA₂DS₂-VASc Score

Stroke / Systemic Thromboembolism Risk in Non-Valvular Atrial Fibrillation

C — Congestive heart failure / LVEF ≤40% or recent decompensation No Yes

H — Hypertension (history of high blood pressure) No Yes

A₂ — Age ≥75 years No Yes

D — Diabetes mellitus No Yes

S₂ — Prior Stroke / TIA / Thromboembolism No Yes

V — Vascular disease (prior MI, peripheral artery disease, aortic plaque) No Yes

A — Age 65–74 years No Yes

Sc — Sex category: Female Male / Not applicable Female

Score: 0 points

Approximate annual stroke risk (untreated): —
Guideline recommendation: —

Educational tool only. Not a substitute for clinical judgment.
Based on Lip et al. and major guidelines.