CHADS-VASC Score Calculator – Stroke Risk Assessment
Assess stroke risk in atrial fibrillation patients using the CHADS-VASC score
How to Use
- Answer yes/no for each risk factor (heart failure, hypertension, diabetes, stroke history, vascular disease)
- Select your age category
- Select your sex
- Click calculate to see your CHADS-VASC score and stroke risk
- Review anticoagulation recommendations based on your score
What is the CHADS-VASC Score?
The CHADS-VASC score is a clinical prediction rule used to estimate the risk of stroke in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. It helps healthcare providers determine whether anticoagulation therapy is necessary to prevent stroke.
CHADS-VASC is an acronym where each letter represents a risk factor: Congestive heart failure (1 point), Hypertension (1 point), Age ≥75 years (2 points), Diabetes (1 point), prior Stroke/TIA/thromboembolism (2 points), Vascular disease (1 point), Age 65-74 years (1 point), and Sex category female (1 point).
Score Interpretation
| Score | Annual Stroke Risk | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0% | Low risk - Consider no anticoagulation |
| 1 | 1.3% | Low-moderate risk - Consider anticoagulation |
| 2 | 2.2% | Moderate risk - Anticoagulation recommended |
| 3 | 3.2% | Moderate risk - Anticoagulation recommended |
| 4 | 4.0% | High risk - Anticoagulation strongly recommended |
| 5 | 6.7% | High risk - Anticoagulation strongly recommended |
| 6+ | 9.8% or higher | Very high risk - Anticoagulation essential |
Clinical Use
The CHADS-VASC score is widely used in clinical practice to guide anticoagulation decisions for patients with atrial fibrillation. It's more sensitive than the older CHADS2 score, particularly for identifying low-risk patients who may not benefit from anticoagulation.
Healthcare providers use this score alongside bleeding risk assessment and patient preferences to make individualized treatment decisions about anticoagulation therapy.
Limitations
- The score is validated for non-valvular atrial fibrillation only
- It doesn't account for bleeding risk, which must be assessed separately
- Individual patient factors may warrant deviation from score-based recommendations
- The score is one tool among many in clinical decision-making
- Always consult with a healthcare provider before making treatment decisions
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does a CHADS-VASC score of 0 or 1 mean?
- A score of 0 indicates very low stroke risk where anticoagulation may not be necessary. A score of 1 represents low-moderate risk where the decision should be individualized based on patient preferences and other factors.
- Should I take anticoagulation medication based on my score?
- Never start or stop anticoagulation medication without consulting your healthcare provider. The CHADS-VASC score is just one factor in treatment decisions, which must also consider bleeding risk, drug interactions, and patient preferences.
- How often should the CHADS-VASC score be recalculated?
- The score should be reassessed annually or whenever there's a significant change in health status, as risk factors may change over time.
- Is the CHADS-VASC score accurate for all types of atrial fibrillation?
- The CHADS-VASC score is validated specifically for non-valvular atrial fibrillation. Patients with valvular atrial fibrillation require different assessment approaches.