The CHADS₂ score is a clinical prediction rule for estimating the risk of stroke in patients with non-rheumatic atrial fibrillation (AF), a common and serious heart rhythm disturbance. This score is simple and has been validated by many studies in different groups of AF patients.
The CHADS₂ acronym stands for Congestive heart failure, Hypertension, Age ≥75 years, Diabetes mellitus, and prior Stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). Each factor scores one point, except for prior stroke or TIA, which scores two points. The total score ranges from 0 to 6, with higher scores indicating a greater risk of stroke.
The clinical utility of the CHADS₂ score is to help clinicians decide whether or not to anticoagulate a patient with AF. Patients with a score of 0 are at low risk and do not require anticoagulation. Patients with a score of 1 can be considered for anticoagulation, and those with a score of 2 or more should definitely be anticoagulated, unless contraindicated.
The CHADS₂ score should not be used in patients with rheumatic AF, valvular heart disease, or those who have a contraindication to antico
Reference
B F Gage, A D Waterman, W Shannon et al. Validation of clinical classification schemes for predicting stroke: results from the National Registry of Atrial Fibrillation. JAMA. 2001 Jun 13;285(22):2864-70.
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