Cardiology mnemonic

Stroke risk score in non-valvular atrial fibrillation

The mnemonic

CHA2DS2-VASc

What each word stands for

  • CCongestive heart failure — 1 point
  • HHypertension — 1 point
  • A2Age 75 or more — 2 points
  • DDiabetes mellitus — 1 point
  • S2Prior stroke, TIA or thromboembolism — 2 points
  • VVascular disease (MI, peripheral artery disease) — 1 point
  • AAge 65 to 74 — 1 point
  • ScSex category, female — 1 point

Why it matters clinically

Guides the decision to start oral anticoagulation in atrial fibrillation.

Where it stops being reliable

Estimates stroke risk only. Bleeding risk is assessed separately, and valvular AF is managed differently.

Teaching aid, still awaiting independent review. Confirm facts in a standard source.

More mnemonics

Common questions

What is the Cardiology mnemonic?

CHA2DS2-VASc. It helps you recall: Stroke risk score in non-valvular atrial fibrillation.

What does "C" stand for?

Congestive heart failure — 1 point

What does "H" stand for?

Hypertension — 1 point

What does "A2" stand for?

Age 75 or more — 2 points

What are all the parts of the CHA2DS2-VASc mnemonic?

C: Congestive heart failure — 1 point; H: Hypertension — 1 point; A2: Age 75 or more — 2 points; D: Diabetes mellitus — 1 point; S2: Prior stroke, TIA or thromboembolism — 2 points; V: Vascular disease (MI, peripheral artery disease) — 1 point; A: Age 65 to 74 — 1 point; Sc: Sex category, female — 1 point.

Which topic does this mnemonic belong to?

It belongs to Cardiology in General Medicine.

Where does this mnemonic stop being reliable?

Estimates stroke risk only. Bleeding risk is assessed separately, and valvular AF is managed differently.

How is this useful clinically?

Guides the decision to start oral anticoagulation in atrial fibrillation.

How do I make this mnemonic stick?

Say it aloud, write it from memory tomorrow, then again in a week. Then test yourself on a General Medicine question about Cardiology.

Is this a standard mnemonic?

It is a teaching aid written or adapted by our team. Some resemble ones students share informally. Check any fact that matters in a standard source.