In a large primary care data set, the CHA2DS2-VASc score leads to an almost universal recommendation for anticoagulation treatment in those aged ≥65 years with atrial fibrillation

Authors

Jessica Orchard
Katrina Giskes, The University of Notre Dame AustraliaFollow
John W. Orchard
Andre La Gerche
Lis Neubeck
Charlotte Hespe, The University of Notre Dame AustraliaFollow
Nicole Lowres
Ben Freedman

Publication Details

Orchard, J., Giskes, K., Orchard, J. W., La Gerche, A., Neubeck, L., Hespe, C., Lowres, N., & Freedman, B. (2023). In a large primary care data set, the CHA2DS2-VASc score leads to an almost universal recommendation for anticoagulation treatment in those aged ≥65 years with atrial fibrillation. European Journal Of Cardiovascular Nursing, Early View (Online First), 1-4.

Abstract

From 2012 to 2016, the oral anticoagulant (OAC) treatment determination for atrial fibrillation (AF) patients moved from the CHADS₂ score to the CHA₂DS₂-VASc score. A data set collated during previous studies (2011–19) with de-identified data extracted from clinical records at a single timepoint for active adult patients (n=285 635; 8294 with AF) attending 164 general practices in Australia was analysed. The CHA₂DS₂-VASc threshold (score ≥2 men/≥3 women) captured a significantly higher proportion than CHADS₂≥2 (all ages: 85 vs. 68%, P<0.0001; ≥65 years: 96 vs. 76%, P< 0.0001). The change from CHADS₂ to CHA₂DS₂-VASc resulted in a significantly higher proportion of AF patients being recommended OAC, driven by the revised scoring for age.

Keywords

stroke prevention, general practice, atrial fibrillation

Link to Publisher Version (URL)

10.1093/eurjcn/zvad002