A risk assessment tool that predicts the likelihood that a person with atrial fibrillation may have a stroke in the future. CHADS is a mnemonic for c(ongestive) heart failure; h(ypertension); a(ge) over 75 years; d(iabetes) mellitus, s(troke) history or history of transient ischemic attack [TIA] or thrombolembolism); v(ascular)disease; a a(ge) 65 to 74; and sc(sex) category female.

PATIENT CARE
Two of these items (age >75 years and a history of stroke), are assigned a score of 2 points. The rest are valued at one point each. Men with a score of 2 or more should be treated with oral anticoagulant drugs or left atrial appendage closure (LAAC). Women with a score of 3 or more should be treated with oral anticoagulants or LAAC.