The CHADS2-VASC score is a clinical prediction tool used to assess the risk of stroke in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF). Atrial fibrillation is a common heart rhythm disorder where the upper chambers of the heart quiver chaotically, which can lead to blood pooling and clot formation. These clots can travel to the brain, causing a stroke.
The CHADS2-VASC score is an extension of the original CHADS2 score, incorporating additional risk factors to provide a more refined assessment of stroke risk. It helps clinicians decide whether anticoagulant therapy (blood thinners) is necessary to prevent stroke.
Components of the CHADS2-VASC Score:
Each component is assigned points as follows:
Congestive Heart Failure (CHF): 1 point
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): 1 point
Age: 1 point if 65-74 years, 2 points if ≥75 years
Age: 1 point if 65-74 years (already accounted for in the 'Age' category)
Sex: 1 point for Female sex
How the Calculator Works:
This calculator takes into account the following factors, assigning points based on your selections:
Congestive Heart Failure (CHF): 1 point if present.
Hypertension: 1 point if present.
Age: 0 points if < 65, 1 point if 65-74, 2 points if ≥ 75.
Diabetes Mellitus: 1 point if present.
Stroke/TIA History: 2 points if present.
Vascular Disease: 1 point if present.
Sex: 1 point if Female.
The total points are summed to give the CHADS2-VASC score.
Interpreting the Score:
The CHADS2-VASC score helps stratify stroke risk and guide treatment decisions:
Score 0: Low risk. Anticoagulation is generally not recommended.
Score 1: Intermediate risk. Oral anticoagulation may be considered, or aspirin therapy. The decision is individualized.
Score 2 or higher: High risk. Oral anticoagulation is generally recommended.
Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment decisions.
function calculateCHADS2VASC() {
var chf = parseInt(document.getElementById("congestiveHeartFailure").value);
var htn = parseInt(document.getElementById("hypertension").value);
var age = parseInt(document.getElementById("age").value);
var dm = parseInt(document.getElementById("diabetes").value);
var stroke = parseInt(document.getElementById("strokeHistory").value);
var vascular = parseInt(document.getElementById("vascularDisease").value);
var sex = parseInt(document.getElementById("sex").value);
var score = chf + htn + age + dm + stroke + vascular + sex;
var interpretation = "";
if (score === 0) {
interpretation = "Low stroke risk. Anticoagulation is generally not recommended.";
} else if (score === 1) {
interpretation = "Intermediate stroke risk. Oral anticoagulation may be considered, or aspirin therapy. Decision is individualized.";
} else {
interpretation = "High stroke risk. Oral anticoagulation is generally recommended.";
}
document.getElementById("score").textContent = score;
document.getElementById("interpretation").textContent = interpretation;
}