NOAC in Patients with a Single CHA2DS2-VASc Risk Factor

Joseph V Pergolizzi Jr,

Published on: 2020-10-26

Abstract

Introduction: The CHA2DS2-VASc risk assessment tool helps to stratify AF patients for their risk of stroke and systemic thromboembolism. Patients who score ≥2 should be considered for anticoagulation therapy but it is not always clear how to manage patients who score 1 point.
Considering the Items: Not all patients who score 1 are equal and some risk factors, such as age or history of stroke, transient ischemic attacks, or thromboembolic events, may weigh more heavily than others, such as diabetes mellitus or female sex. Also, some risk factors such as smoking or sickle cell disease are not included in the assessment tool but may play a role in the evaluation of specific individual patients. The HAS-BLED score may be considered when evaluating anticoagulation therapy.
Conclusion: Clinicians must exercise clinical judgment in individualizing anticoagulation options for patients who score 1 point on the CHA2DS2-VASc risk assessment tool.

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