Interpretation
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 0 | Low risk: no OAC on the basis of the score |
| 1 | OAC should be considered (Class IIa) |
| ≥ 2 | OAC recommended (Class I) |
Formula
C: CHF 1 · H: hypertension 1 · A₂: age ≥75 2 · D: diabetes 1 · S₂: prior stroke/TIA/arterial thromboembolism 2 · V: vascular disease 1 · A: age 65–74 1. (No sex category.)
Clinical pearls
- Female sex was dropped because it acts as an age-dependent risk modifier rather than an independent risk factor; thresholds are now identical for men and women.
- Not applicable to AF with a mechanical valve or moderate–severe mitral stenosis (anticoagulate regardless); hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and cardiac amyloidosis also warrant OAC irrespective of score.
- North American (2023 ACC/AHA) guidance still uses CHA₂DS₂-VASc; see that calculator for sex-specific thresholds.
Examples
cha2ds2-va 72 year old woman with hypertension and diabeteschads va score 68M htnesc 2024 af stroke score 80 yo prior tia, no chf
FAQ
What is the difference between CHA₂DS₂-VA and CHA₂DS₂-VASc?
CHA₂DS₂-VA removes the female-sex point (the "Sc"), so scores run 0–8 and the same thresholds apply to everyone: OAC recommended at ≥2 and considered at 1.
Which guideline uses CHA₂DS₂-VA?
The 2024 ESC atrial fibrillation guideline, in the absence of a locally validated risk score.