The CHA2DS2-VASc is a tool to estimate risk of stroke in patient based on their history and physical characteristics.
Factors
It takes into account age, sex, CHF history, hypertension, stroke/TIA/ thromboembolism history, vascular disease history and diabetes history. Each of these will add 0, 1 or 2 to the total score which is used to determine risk and next steps.
Age
age is a strong predicator of stroke, as risk increases with multiple age related changes in the cardiovascular system
Sex
Females have a higher overall risk of stroke compared to males but it evens out with age
CHF history
Congestive heart failure can lead to blood stasis and clotting
Hypertension
High blood pressure leads to damage in the endothelial walls, leading to higher chance of thrombosis
Stroke/TIA/thromboembolism history
If it happened before it can happen again. A history of stroke tia or thromboembolism is associated with higher risk of it happening again.
Vascular disease history
Prior MI, peripheral artery disease or aortic plaque suggests widespread atherosclerosis
Diabetes history
Diabetes is associated with increased inflammation and endothelial dysfunction, both of which promote thrombosis and therefore stroke
CHADS2
this is an older and less accurate score that the CHA2DS2-VASc score was built on.