What does the CHA₂DS₂-VASc score show?

It estimates the annual stroke risk in someone with atrial fibrillation from a sum of risk factors (0–9 points). The higher the score, the higher the risk and the more likely anticoagulation is needed. It is a decision-support tool for a doctor, not a standalone diagnosis.

At what score are anticoagulants prescribed?

Current guidelines usually recommend them at a score ≥2 in men and ≥3 in women. At 1 point in men (2 in women) the decision is individual. A score of 0 in men (or 1 for female sex only) is low risk and routine anticoagulation is not needed. The final decision is always a doctor’s.

Why do age and stroke score 2 points?

Age ≥75 and a prior stroke/TIA are the strongest predictors of a new stroke, so the score assigns each 2 points (hence the ₂ subscript). Age 65–74 scores 1 point. Age levels do not add up — only the higher one counts.

Is female sex a risk factor?

Female sex adds 1 point, but it is a "modifier": on its own, without other factors, it does not raise risk enough to warrant treatment. So 1 point for sex alone is interpreted as low risk.

Does the score work for any arrhythmia?

CHA₂DS₂-VASc is validated for non-valvular atrial fibrillation. In valvular AF (for example a mechanical heart valve or significant mitral stenosis), anticoagulation is indicated regardless of the score — the scale does not apply there.

CHA₂DS₂-VASc calculator — stroke risk in atrial fibrillation

Tick your risk factors — the calculator computes the CHA₂DS₂-VASc score and shows the estimated annual stroke risk in non-valvular atrial fibrillation. This score helps a doctor decide whether anticoagulation is needed. Important: the score itself is not a prescription but one input into the decision.

Calculate CHA₂DS₂-VASc score

CHA₂DS₂-VASc total score

0points

Low risk

Estimated annual stroke risk ≈ 0,2%

What this means

Low risk — routine anticoagulation is usually not needed. The decision is always a doctor’s.

The score estimates stroke risk in non-valvular atrial fibrillation. It is a guide, not a prescription: the type and need for anticoagulation, bleeding risk (HAS-BLED) and contraindications are determined only by a doctor.

CHA₂DS₂-VASc score points

Maximum 9 points. A subscript ₂ letter means 2 points (age ≥75 and prior stroke).

Factor	Points
C — congestive heart failure	1
H — hypertension	1
A₂ — age ≥75	2
D — diabetes	1
S₂ — prior stroke/TIA	2
V — vascular disease	1
A — age 65–74	1
Sc — female sex	1

What the CHA₂DS₂-VASc score is

CHA₂DS₂-VASc is a validated score for stroke risk in people with atrial fibrillation. In this arrhythmia, clots can form in the atria and cause a stroke; the score shows how high that risk is.

The name is an acronym of risk factors: Congestive heart failure, Hypertension, Age, Diabetes, Stroke, Vascular disease, Age, Sex category. The ₂ subscript on A and S means age ≥75 and prior stroke each score 2 points — the weightiest factors.

How to interpret the score

The higher the score, the higher the annual stroke risk: from under 1% at 0 points to over 10% at high values. Current guidelines usually recommend anticoagulation for men with a score ≥2 and women ≥3; at 1 point in men (2 in women) the decision is individual.

One nuance: 1 point for female sex alone, without other factors, is considered low risk — sex by itself is not a reason to treat.

Why a doctor decides

The stroke-risk score is only half the picture. Before prescribing an anticoagulant, a doctor weighs bleeding risk (for example the HAS-BLED score), comorbidities, medications and patient preference. So the calculator gives a guide, and the treatment decision is always a cardiologist’s.

Frequently asked questions

It estimates the annual stroke risk in someone with atrial fibrillation from a sum of risk factors (0–9 points). The higher the score, the higher the risk and the more likely anticoagulation is needed. It is a decision-support tool for a doctor, not a standalone diagnosis.
Current guidelines usually recommend them at a score ≥2 in men and ≥3 in women. At 1 point in men (2 in women) the decision is individual. A score of 0 in men (or 1 for female sex only) is low risk and routine anticoagulation is not needed. The final decision is always a doctor’s.
Age ≥75 and a prior stroke/TIA are the strongest predictors of a new stroke, so the score assigns each 2 points (hence the ₂ subscript). Age 65–74 scores 1 point. Age levels do not add up — only the higher one counts.
Female sex adds 1 point, but it is a "modifier": on its own, without other factors, it does not raise risk enough to warrant treatment. So 1 point for sex alone is interpreted as low risk.
CHA₂DS₂-VASc is validated for non-valvular atrial fibrillation. In valvular AF (for example a mechanical heart valve or significant mitral stenosis), anticoagulation is indicated regardless of the score — the scale does not apply there.

Heart and vessels — the picture from labs

Upload your labs (lipids, glucose, electrolytes, ECG) — AI reviews them together and tells you what to discuss with a cardiologist.

Decode my labs

This calculator is for informational reference and is not a prescription. The decision on anticoagulation is made only by a doctor, weighing bleeding risk and contraindications.