What does the CHA2DS2-VASc score assess?

The CHA2DS2-VASc score is specifically designed to assess the risk of stroke in patients who have atrial fibrillation. This scoring system takes into consideration various risk factors, such as congestive heart failure, hypertension, age, diabetes, prior stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA), vascular disease, and sex. By calculating the total score based on these criteria, healthcare providers can estimate a patient’s risk of stroke, which informs decisions regarding anticoagulation therapy to prevent thromboembolic events.

In contrast, other options do not align with the specific purpose of the CHA2DS2-VASc score. Assessing heart failure severity, evaluating coronary artery disease risk, or measuring medication adherence each involve different clinical tools and scoring systems that focus on those particular areas of cardiovascular health, rather than on the risk of stroke linked to atrial fibrillation.