🩹 Cardiovascular

Will an anticoagulant cause bleeding? HAS-BLED estimates bleeding risk

HAS-BLED is a common score for major-bleeding risk on AF anticoagulation, using uncontrolled hypertension, liver/kidney function, stroke history, bleeding history, INR stability, age, concurrent drugs and alcohol — total 0-9; ≥3 suggests higher bleeding risk. Its key use is to prompt correcting modifiable factors and closer monitoring — not to stop anticoagulation because the score is high. Whether to anticoagulate is a doctor's decision weighing stroke risk (CHA₂DS₂-VASc) against bleeding. Free; scored locally for talking with your doctor.

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

For AF patients on or about to start anticoagulation, to estimate bleeding risk and inform discussion with your doctor

Common questions

Does a high HAS-BLED mean I should stop my anticoagulant?
No — this is the most common misconception. A high score prompts closer monitoring and correcting modifiable factors (blood pressure, alcohol, avoiding unnecessary painkillers), not stopping. Usually stroke-prevention benefit still outweighs bleeding risk; the decision is a doctor's.
How does it relate to CHA₂DS₂-VASc?
CHA₂DS₂-VASc estimates stroke risk (whether to anticoagulate); HAS-BLED estimates bleeding risk (how careful to be). Doctors usually look at both together. Both are on this site; use them together.
Can I take it if I'm not on an anticoagulant?
Yes, to understand your bleeding-risk background. But it is mainly used in AF patients considering or on anticoagulation; have a doctor interpret the result.

Take a minute or two to understand your anticoagulation bleeding 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: HAS-BLED anticoagulation bleeding risk score

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