CHADS₂ Score (Atrial Fibrillation)
Congestive HF, Hypertension, Age ≥75, Diabetes each 1 point; Stroke/TIA/thromboembolism 2 points.
Calculator
How it works
What this tool does
It sums the original CHADS₂ components used before CHA₂DS₂-VASc became standard in many regions. It is useful for historical comparison and education.
Point assignment
- Congestive heart failure: 1 point
- Hypertension: 1 point
- Age ≥75: 1 point
- Diabetes: 1 point
- Stroke/TIA/thromboembolism: 2 points
References
Gage BF, Waterman AD, Shannon W, Boechler M, Rich MW, Radford MJ. Validation of clinical classification schemes for predicting stroke. JAMA. 2001;285(22):2864-2870.
Dosing & care
Limitations
CHA₂DS₂-VASc refines age and vascular disease; many current guidelines use it instead of CHADS₂ alone. Valve disease, reversible AF, and hyperthyroid AF are not modeled here.
Stroke prevention & anticoagulation (teaching)
- Use guideline-directed stroke risk tools (often CHA₂DS₂-VASc) and bleeding-risk scores with shared decision-making for anticoagulation.
- CHADS₂ remains useful historically and for education; it should not be the sole basis for therapy selection where CHA₂DS₂-VASc is standard.
- Address reversible triggers, rate/rhythm control, and comorbidities as part of comprehensive AF care.
Educational tool only—not for diagnosis or treatment decisions.