What does CHA2DS2-VASc stand for?

C = Congestive heart failure (1 pt), H = Hypertension (1 pt), A2 = Age ≥ 75 years (2 pts), D = Diabetes mellitus (1 pt), S2 = prior Stroke or TIA (2 pts), V = Vascular disease (1 pt), A = Age 65–74 years (1 pt), Sc = Sex category female (1 pt).

Is a higher score more dangerous?

Yes. A score of 0 in males (1 in females) indicates low risk. Each additional point corresponds to a higher annual stroke risk, from roughly 1.3% at score 1 to over 9% at score 6–9.

Does this tool give medical advice?

No. This calculator is for educational and informational purposes only. Clinical decisions about anticoagulation must be made by a qualified healthcare professional, taking into account the individual patient's full clinical picture and bleeding risk.

Why does the female sex add a point?

Female sex is an independent risk modifier in AFib. However, guidelines generally treat it as a risk enhancer rather than a standalone indication — a score of 1 in a female due only to sex category does not automatically trigger anticoagulation.

Which guidelines use CHA2DS2-VASc?

The score is endorsed by the ESC (European Society of Cardiology), ACC/AHA (American College of Cardiology / American Heart Association), and other major cardiology guidelines as the primary stroke risk stratification tool for non-valvular AFib.

CHA2DS2-VASc Score Calculator

Calculate the CHA2DS2-VASc score to estimate annual stroke risk in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation.

Patient Risk Factors

Check every criterion that applies. Score updates instantly.

Congestive Heart Failure Signs/symptoms of HF or reduced LVEF (< 40%)

Hypertension Resting BP consistently > 140/90 mmHg or on antihypertensive treatment

Age ≥ 75 years Highest age-related weight in the score

Diabetes Mellitus Fasting glucose > 125 mg/dL or on hypoglycemic treatment

Prior Stroke, TIA, or Thromboembolism History of any ischemic stroke, TIA, or systemic embolism

Vascular Disease Prior MI, peripheral artery disease, or aortic plaque

Age 65–74 years Select this OR Age ≥ 75, not both

Female Sex Biological female sex — acts as a risk modifier, not standalone indication

CHA2DS2-VASc Score

out of 9 possible points

Annual Stroke Risk

Guideline Recommendation

Select risk factors to see a recommendation.

For informational purposes only. All clinical decisions must be made by a qualified healthcare professional.

Summary

The CHA2DS2-VASc score is a clinical tool used to assess the annual risk of stroke or thromboembolism in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AFib). It evaluates seven independent risk factors — Congestive heart failure, Hypertension, Age, Diabetes, prior Stroke/TIA, Vascular disease, and Sex category — assigning point values to each. The resulting score guides clinicians in deciding whether anticoagulation therapy is appropriate.

How it works

Select each risk factor that applies to the patient.
The score updates automatically as you toggle each factor.
Review the total score and the corresponding estimated annual stroke risk percentage.
Use the recommendation panel to understand guideline-based anticoagulation guidance.
Scores of 2 or more in males (or 3 or more in females) generally warrant oral anticoagulation.

Use cases

Quickly assess stroke risk for newly diagnosed AFib patients.
Support shared decision-making about anticoagulation therapy.
Educate medical students and nursing staff on CHA2DS2-VASc scoring.
Cross-check manual scoring at the bedside or during telehealth visits.
Use alongside HAS-BLED score for a balanced bleeding vs. clot risk picture.
Document stroke risk stratification in clinical notes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: 2026-09-30 · Reviewed by Nham Vu