The Bova score calculator for pulmonary embolism (PE) helps assess the risk of complications and mortality following a PE episode. Using this tool, clinicians evaluate four key clinical parameters. Here's a breakdown of how the scoring works:

Inputs include:
- **Systolic Blood Pressure (BP)**: Two categories are considered—greater than 100 mm Hg and between 90 to 100 mm Hg. A systolic BP less than 90 mm Hg excludes a patient from Bova scoring. For the score, "> 100 mm Hg" assigns 0 points, while "90-100 mm Hg" assigns 2 points.
  
- **Cardiac Troponin Levels**: This measures cardiac muscle damage. If levels are "Elevated," it contributes 2 points to the score; if "Normal," it adds 0 points.
  
- **Right Ventricular Dysfunction**: Assessed via echocardiogram or CT scan—options being "Yes" or "No". A finding of dysfunction ("Yes") scores 2 points, while its absence ("No") scores 0 points.
  
- **Heart Rate (Beats per Minute)**: Heart rate is classified as "< 110" or ">= 110". A rate under 110 receives 0 points, whereas a rate of 110 or more adds 1 point to the score.

The total Bova score is the sum of these individual scores, ranging from 0 to 7. This is then interpreted based on pre-defined risk categories:

- A score of 0-2 indicates a low risk, with a 4.4% chance of PE-related complications and a 3.1% risk of mortality.
- Scores between 3 and 4 suggest a moderate risk, where complications rise to 18%, and mortality risk increases to 6.8%.
- Scores from 5 to 7 denote a high risk, with a 42% likelihood of complications and a 10% risk of mortality.

This scoring procedure empowers healthcare providers to stratify risk levels efficiently in patients experiencing a PE, guiding clinical decision-making and management strategies.

The Bova Score is a clinical calculator used in the management of patients with acute pulmonary embolism (PE). It is specifically designed to stratify the risk of adverse outcomes in patients diagnosed with PE, including the risk of early death or complications within 30 days of diagnosis. The Bova Score takes into account factors such as age, systolic blood pressure, heart rate, and the presence of right ventricular dysfunction or myocardial injury. 

This scoring system is particularly useful in guiding treatment decisions, such as whether a patient requires hospitalization or can be managed as an outpatient, and whether more aggressive therapies are needed. 

The Bova Score is not applicable to patients without a confirmed diagnosis of PE, or those with chronic PE. It should also be used with caution in patients with other severe comorbidities that could independently increase their risk of adverse outcomes.

Bova score for pulmonary embolism

Validation of a Model for Identification of Patients at Intermediate to High Risk for Complications Associated With Acute Symptomatic Pulmonary Embolism.