CHADS2 score

The CHADS2 score is a medical tool used by healthcare providers to estimate a person's risk of having a stroke, especially if they have atrial fibrillation (a heart rhythm disorder). It considers five factors: congestive heart failure, high blood pressure, age 75 or older, diabetes, and previous stroke or mini-stroke. Each factor adds points, with previous stroke counting more. A higher score indicates a greater risk, helping doctors decide if a patient should take blood thinners or other treatments to prevent strokes.