Gender in CHA2DS2-VASc score

 Q: In CHA2DS2-VASc score - what is the point allocation for gender? (select one)

A) Male=0, Female=1

B) Male=1, Female=0

Answer: A

CHA2DS2-VASc is a risk stratification score for estimation of stroke risk for nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF) in adults. Contrary to popular belief, females have a higher risk of strokes from nonvalvular AF. Said that it needs to acknowledge that not all experts believe in this discrepancy. This sex category (Sc) in CHA2DS2-VASc came from a strong retrospective cohort study of about 100,000 patients (Swedish registry) with AF which found that the risk of ischemic stroke in women was 6.2 percent vs. 4.2 percent per year in males. 

 C = congestive heart failure 

H = Hypertension

Ag e= Age > 75 years (2 points) 

D = Diabetes mellitus

S = Stroke or TIA or thromboembolism - prior 

V = Vascular disease 

Age = 65 to 74 years 

Sc = Sex category 

#cardiology

#neurology

References:

1. Friberg L, Benson L, Rosenqvist M, Lip GY. Assessment of female sex as a risk factor in atrial fibrillation in Sweden: nationwide retrospective cohort study. BMJ 2012; 344:e3522. 

2. Wagstaff AJ, Overvad TF, Lip GY, Lane DA. Is female sex a risk factor for stroke and thromboembolism in patients with atrial fibrillation? A systematic review and meta-analysis. QJM 2014; 107:955.