medtests.net · Atrial fibrillation
Atrial Fibrillation Test
The CHA₂DS₂-VASc score estimates stroke risk in people with known atrial fibrillation and helps answer whether blood thinning may be appropriate. HAS-BLED adds the bleeding risks. Instant result, no sign-up. It does not tell you which treatment to take.
CHA₂DS₂-VASc
Stroke risk in atrial fibrillation
This score estimates the statistical stroke risk in people with known atrial fibrillation and helps your doctor decide about blood thinning. It gives guidance. It is not a diagnosis or a treatment recommendation.
0 points
CHA₂DS₂-VASc 0 out of 9The statistical stroke risk is low in this range. This does not replace a medical assessment, especially if you have known atrial fibrillation or it is new.
- your heart skips, races, or beats irregularly, especially with shortness of breath or dizziness
- you get sudden weakness, speech problems, or vision problems. This is a stroke emergency. Call your local emergency number (911 in the US, 112 in Europe).
The score does not replace a medical assessment. A doctor always makes the decision about blood thinning.
CHA₂DS₂-VASc according to Lip et al. 2010 and the ESC guideline. Your answers stay in your browser and are not stored.
HAS-BLED
Bleeding risk in atrial fibrillation
HAS-BLED complements CHA2DS2-VASc. The score shows bleeding risks, especially the ones you can change. It is not a treatment instruction and not a reason to change medication without talking to your doctor.
Lower HAS-BLED score
HAS-BLED 0 out of 9 pointsA low HAS-BLED score does not rule out bleeding. It does not replace your doctor weighing stroke risk against bleeding risk.
Stroke risk and bleeding risk need to be weighed together by a doctor. Do not stop blood thinners, painkillers, or other medications on your own.
HAS-BLED according to Pisters et al. 2010. Your answers stay in your browser and are not stored or sent.
Why atrial fibrillation and stroke are connected
With atrial fibrillation, the upper chambers of the heart beat quickly and irregularly. This can cause blood to pool and a clot to form. The clot can travel through the bloodstream to the brain and cause a stroke. The CHA₂DS₂-VASc score estimates this risk so you can discuss ways to reduce it in time. HAS-BLED then looks at the other side of the decision, meaning bleeding and modifiable risks such as blood pressure, alcohol, kidney or liver function, and other medications.
Frequently asked questions
What does the CHA₂DS₂-VASc score tell you?
It estimates the statistical risk of stroke in people with known atrial fibrillation. Your doctor uses this risk to decide whether blood thinners may be appropriate. The score is a decision aid, not a diagnosis or an automatic treatment recommendation.
At what score is blood thinning necessary?
Guidelines generally recommend considering anticoagulation from 2 points in men and from 3 points in women, because female sex alone does not count as a treatment-relevant point. A doctor always makes the final decision, also taking the risk of bleeding into account.
What does the HAS-BLED score tell you?
HAS-BLED estimates the risk of bleeding during anticoagulation in people with atrial fibrillation and shows modifiable risk factors. A high score does not automatically mean that blood thinners should not be used. Doctors weigh the risk of stroke and bleeding together.
How can I tell if I have atrial fibrillation?
Typical symptoms include heart palpitations, an irregular or racing pulse, reduced exercise tolerance, shortness of breath, or dizziness. Atrial fibrillation can also cause no noticeable symptoms. Only an ECG can confirm it. If you suddenly develop weakness, speech problems, or vision problems, call your local emergency number (911 in the US, 112 in Europe).
Can I use the test without known atrial fibrillation?
The score is intended for people who have already been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation. Without that diagnosis, it tells you little. If you notice an irregular heartbeat, have an ECG done first.
Related tests
Atrial fibrillation and overall heart attack risk share many risk factors. These checks fit with it.
Sources and notes
CHA₂DS₂-VASc: Lip GYH, Nieuwlaat R, Pisters R, Lane DA, Crijns HJGM. Refining clinical risk stratification for predicting stroke and thromboembolism in atrial fibrillation using a novel risk factor-based approach. Chest 2010;137(2):263-272, DOI 10.1378/chest.09-1584. Applied according to the current ESC guideline on atrial fibrillation. HAS-BLED: Pisters R et al. A novel user-friendly score to assess 1-year risk of major bleeding in patients with atrial fibrillation. Chest 2010;138(5):1093-1100, DOI 10.1378/chest.10-0134. Both scores are published point scores and free to use. Further explanatory videos: Dr. Stefan Waller, Dr. Heart YouTube channel (in German). This test is a screening, not a diagnosis.