CHA₂DS₂-VASc Stroke Risk Calculator
Select risk factors below and click Calculate. For medical decisions, always consult a clinician.
How to use the CHA₂DS₂-VASc calculator
The CHA₂DS₂-VASc calculator is a clinical risk-scoring tool that estimates a patient’s annual stroke risk in atrial fibrillation by assigning points for Congestive heart failure, Hypertension, Age (≥75 gets 2 points, 65–74 gets 1), Diabetes, prior Stroke/TIA (2 points), Vascular disease, and female Sex; total points (0–9) help guide anticoagulation decisions.
What the calculator does and why it matters
The CHA₂DS₂-VASc score is widely used in clinical practice to stratify stroke risk for patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. Clinicians and patients use the score to inform conversations about stroke prevention, including whether to start oral anticoagulation. Major cardiology organizations recommend risk assessment using this (or a closely related) score before making treatment decisions.
Note: Guidelines and specific practice nuances evolve — for instance, newer European guidance has discussed related scores (CHA₂DS₂-VA) and refinements — so always check the latest clinical recommendations.
Step-by-step: using the WordPress calculator
- Open the page containing the embedded calculator (it fits standard content widths and will sit between sidebars).
- Select the checkboxes that correspond to the patient’s conditions (each label shows the point value).
- Click “Calculate.” The tool instantly shows:
- A numeric score (0–9),
- A compact Plotly visual bar (score relative to the maximum),
- A plain-language interpretation of approximate stroke risk and a reminder about management thresholds.
- Discuss results with a clinician. The calculator provides an estimate only; treatment decisions depend on the full clinical context, bleeding risk, patient preferences, and up-to-date guideline recommendations.
Understanding the output and common interpretations
- Score 0: Commonly considered low risk in males; anticoagulation often not recommended.
- Score 1: A gray zone — clinicians may consider anticoagulation depending on clinical context, age, and preferences.
- Score ≥2: Frequently the threshold where many guidelines recommend considering (or offering) oral anticoagulation to reduce stroke risk.
The exact annual stroke percentages vary with population and study; the calculator gives an approximate banded interpretation to help discussions, not a definitive probability for every patient. For precise risk estimates and treatment decisions, clinicians combine scores with clinical judgment.
How the Plotly visual helps
Plotly is used to render a responsive, interactive horizontal bar that shows the patient’s score vs the maximum (0–9). Visual cues help patients and clinicians quickly grasp where a score sits on the risk spectrum and make shared decisions faster. Because Plotly runs client-side, the chart is fast, accessible, and adapts to mobile or desktop widths.
Design & WordPress placement note
This calculator uses a white background and a max-width:720px container to fit common WordPress content columns and to sit cleanly between two sidebars. If your theme uses a narrower content column, the responsive width will shrink to fit. If your theme is wider, the container will remain centered and visually consistent.
Clinical accuracy & guideline context
The CHA₂DS₂-VASc score is validated and endorsed by major guideline bodies for risk stratification in atrial fibrillation; however, there are recent updates and discussions in the literature (for example, some recent European guidance and analyses consider a CHA₂DS₂-VA variant and nuanced thresholds). Always consult the current local practice guidelines and a treating clinician.
Disclaimer (required)
This calculator provides an educational estimate only and does not provide medical advice. It should not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. For treatment decisions (including anticoagulation), seek evaluation by your clinician who will account for bleeding risk, comorbid conditions, and up-to-date practice guidelines. (See authoritative sources linked below.)
FAQ
Q: Is this calculator a diagnosis tool?
A: No. It estimates stroke risk to support clinical decision-making, but diagnosis and treatment require clinician assessment and testing.
Q: What score means anticoagulation is recommended?
A: Many guidelines consider a CHA₂DS₂-VASc score ≥2 (in men) as a common threshold to recommend anticoagulation; the recommendation can vary based on sex and guideline updates. Discuss with a clinician.
Q: Why does female sex count as a point?
A: Female sex increases stroke risk modestly when combined with other factors; alone, sex may not imply anticoagulation. The score assigns one point for female sex category as part of the validated instrument.
Q: Are the risk percentages exact?
A: No — published studies provide ranges and cohort-specific percentages. This tool gives banded approximations to guide conversation, not exact probabilities for every individual.
Q: I heard ESC changed to CHA₂DS₂-VA — what does that mean?
A: Recent guideline discussions have proposed or emphasized variants (e.g., CHA₂DS₂-VA) and updates; the core goal is the same — risk stratification — but clinicians should consult the latest local guidelines for final decisions.