Watch the video below to see an example of how a score calculator can be used to assess a patient’s risk. See the link underneath for an example of online calculators available to you.
CHADS2 calculator (3rd party website recommended by NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde)
We have reproduced this page from HEARTe Module 8.
Use the buttons on the right to switch between CHADS2 and Cha2DS2-VASc calculators:
CHADS2 Score Calculator
- Congestive Heart Failure History
- Hypertension History
- Age ≥ 75
- Diabetes Mellitus History
- Stroke or TIA Symptoms Previously
The CHADS2 score is used to determine whether or not treatment is required with anticoagulation therapy or antiplatelet therapy, since AF can cause stasis of blood in the upper heart chambers, leading to the formation of a mural thrombus that can dislodge into the blood flow, reach the brain, cut off supply to the brain, and cause a stroke. A high CHADS2 score corresponds to a greater risk of stroke, while a low CHADS2 score corresponds to a lower risk of stroke.
CHA2DS2-VASc Score Calculator
- Congestive Heart Failure History
- Hypertension History
- Age in years
- Diabetes Mellitus
- Stroke/TIA/Thromboembolism History
- Vascular Disease History
- Sex
The CHA2DS2-VASc score is a refinement of CHADS2 score and extends the latter by including additional common stroke risk factors. The maximum CHADS2 score is 6, whilst the maximum CHA2DS2-VASc score is 9 (for age, either the patient is ≥75 years and gets two points, is between 65-74 and gets one point, or is under 65 and does not get points). Note that female gender only scores one point if the patient has at least one other risk factor, and does not score any points in isolation.
Page last reviewed: 25 Feb 2022
