Age and Sex Categories Start the Score
Age and sex give the earliest points on the CHA2DS2-VASc scale.
- +2 pts: Age ≥75 (highest single non-stroke weight)
- +1 pt: Age 65–74 (intermediate age bracket)
- +1 pt: Female sex (sex category component)
- +0 pts: Age <65 (no age points)
Age and sex scoring
Age and sex are the first two components scored.
Heart Failure and Hypertension Add Points
Congestive heart failure and hypertension each add one point.
- +1 pt: CHF/LV dysfunction (C in CHA2DS2-VASc)
- +1 pt: Hypertension (H in CHA2DS2-VASc)
- +2 pts: Combined max (if both present)
- up to 4: Running subtotal (with stage 1 points)
CHF and hypertension scoring
Both conditions add one point each toward the total.
Diabetes and Vascular Disease Continue the Stack
Diabetes mellitus and vascular disease each contribute one point.
- +1 pt: Diabetes mellitus (D in CHA2DS2-VASc)
- +1 pt: Vascular disease (V in CHA2DS2-VASc)
- +2 pts: Combined max (if both present)
- up to 6: Running subtotal (with prior stages)
Diabetes and vascular scoring
Two more single-point risk factors join the stack.
Prior Stroke or TIA Carries Double Weight
A prior stroke, TIA, or thromboembolism adds two full points.
- +2 pts: Prior stroke/TIA/TE (S2 in CHA2DS2-VASc)
- 2x: Weight vs others (double single-factor weight)
- up to 8: Running subtotal (with prior stages)
- 9: Max possible score (full scale ceiling)
Prior stroke scoring
Prior cerebrovascular events double the point weight.
Total Score Converts to Annual Stroke Risk
All stacked points map to an annual stroke risk percentage.
- 0%: Score 0 (annual stroke risk)
- 6.7%: Score 5 (annual stroke risk)
- 15.2%: Score 9 (annual stroke risk)
- 9: Max score (full point ceiling)
Score to risk mapping
Total points translate into an annual stroke risk percentage.