🫀 Cardiovascular

Got AF — should you take an anticoagulant? CHA₂DS₂-VASc shows your stroke risk

CHA₂DS₂-VASc is the international AF stroke-risk score, using heart failure, hypertension, age, diabetes, stroke history, vascular disease and sex — total 0-9; higher means higher stroke risk. It is a key reference for whether AF patients need anticoagulation (warfarin, dabigatran, rivaroxaban, etc.). Generally men ≥2 and women ≥3 are advised anticoagulation. This helps you understand your risk and talk with your doctor, but the decision must be a doctor's — do not start or stop anticoagulants yourself. Free; scored locally.

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Free · auto-scored · for discussion with your doctor only

For patients with confirmed atrial fibrillation (AF), to estimate stroke risk and inform an anticoagulation discussion with your doctor

Common questions

Does a high score always mean I must take an anticoagulant?
Not always, but it indicates high stroke risk usually warranting a doctor's anticoagulation assessment. Whether, which and what dose must be a doctor's decision weighing your bleeding risk (HAS-BLED) and overall situation. Do not start or stop on your own.
Why do women get an extra point?
CHA₂DS₂-VASc counts female sex as a risk factor (1 point). But if a woman has no other risk factors (the 1 point is only from sex), that alone is usually not a reason to anticoagulate — which is why a doctor interprets sex.
Can I use it if I don't have AF?
This score is specifically for atrial fibrillation patients. Without AF it has no corresponding meaning. Whether you have AF needs an ECG and a doctor's diagnosis.

Take a minute or two to understand your AF stroke risk

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This tool is for self-screening reference only. It does not constitute a diagnosis and does not replace an in-person assessment by a doctor. If you have concerns, seek care promptly.

Source: CHA₂DS₂-VASc atrial fibrillation stroke risk score

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