Atrial fibrillation: The Daily PANCE Blueprint
The CHA₂DS₂-VASc score is a clinical tool used to assess stroke risk in patients with atrial fibrillation. It helps guide decisions about anticoagulation therapy. Which of the following is NOT a component of this score?
A. Congestive Heart Failure
B. Hyperlipidemia
C. Vascular Disease (e.g. MI)
D. Diabetes Mellitus
E. Hypertension
Answer and topic summary
The answer is B. Hyperlipidemia
While hyperlipidemia is a major risk factor for general cardiovascular disease, it is not a component of the CHA₂DS₂-VASc score. This scoring system is specifically designed to estimate the annual risk of thromboembolic events in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation to guide decisions about anticoagulation.
Incorrect Answer Explanations: The components of the CHA₂DS₂-VASc score are:
- C – Congestive Heart Failure (1 point)
- H – Hypertension (1 point)
- A₂ – Age ≥ 75 (2 points)
- D – Diabetes Mellitus (1 point)
- S₂ – Prior Stroke or TIA or Thromboembolism (2 points)
- V – Vascular Disease (prior MI, PAD, or aortic plaque) (1 point)
- A – Age 65-74 (1 point)
- Sc – Sex category (Female) (1 point)
A CHA₂DS₂-VASc score of 2 or more in men or 3 or more in women generally indicates the need for oral anticoagulation to reduce stroke risk.
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Smarty PANCE Content Blueprint Review:
Covered under ⇒ PANCE Cardiology Blueprint ⇒ Conduction Disorders (PEARLS) ⇒ Atrial Fibrillation
