What does a CHA2DS2-VASc score of 2 or higher indicate?

A CHA2DS2-VASc score of 2 or higher indicates a high risk for stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation. This scoring system is utilized in clinical practice to evaluate a patient's risk for thromboembolic events, particularly stroke. Each component of the score accounts for various risk factors such as Congestive heart failure, Hypertension, Age 65–74 years, Diabetes, Stroke/transient ischemic attack history, Vascular disease, Age 75 years or older, and Sex category (female).

A score of 2 signifies that a patient has multiple risk factors that substantially increase their likelihood of having a stroke, thereby guiding clinical decision-making for potential interventions like anticoagulation therapy or LAAO. When the score reaches this level, it becomes critical to implement preventive strategies to manage the elevated risk effectively. Thus, a CHA2DS2-VASc score of 2 or higher is a clear indicator of heightened stroke risk rather than low or moderate risk, making it essential for physicians to take this score seriously in their treatment plans.