Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 10, 2026

The Stroke Preclinical Assessment Network Multi-laboratory Model of Thromboembolic Stroke with Thrombolysis: TE-MCAo
Published on: December 19, 2025
Stroke And Bleeding Risk Assessment: Where Are We Now?
Mikhail S Dzeshka1, Gregory Y H Lip2
1University of Birmingham Centre for Cardiovascular Sciences City Hospital, Birmingham B18 7QH, United Kingdom; Grodno State Medical University, Grodno, Belarus.
Insights
Atrial fibrillation increases stroke risk, necessitating oral anticoagulants. This review details stroke and bleeding risk scores like CHA₂DS₂-VASc and HAS-BLED for effective thromboprophylaxis decisions.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Thrombosis Management
Background:
- Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a significant cardiovascular condition.
- Ischemic stroke is a major complication of AF, requiring effective oral anticoagulant therapy for prevention.
- Accurate risk assessment is crucial for guiding thromboprophylaxis decisions.
Approach:
- This review provides an overview of current stroke and bleeding risk assessment scores.
- It focuses on guideline-recommended scores: CHA₂DS₂-VASc for stroke risk and HAS-BLED for bleeding risk.
- The article also explores future directions for enhancing risk prediction using clinical factors and biomarkers.
Key Points:
- CHA₂DS₂-VASc score evaluates stroke risk in AF patients.
- HAS-BLED score assesses bleeding risk in AF patients on anticoagulation.
- Both scores aid in personalized thromboprophylaxis strategies.
Conclusions:
- Risk assessment scores are essential tools for managing AF-related stroke risk.
- Optimizing these scores with novel biomarkers and clinical factors can improve patient outcomes.
- Effective thromboprophylaxis in AF requires careful consideration of individual stroke and bleeding risks.
Abstract:
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of major problems of the contemporary cardiology. Ischaemic stroke is a common complication of the AF, and effective prophylaxis requires treatment with oral anticoagulants. The purpose of this current review article is to provide an overview of the various stroke and bleeding risk assessment scores that help decision making with respect to thromboprophylaxis. Particular focus is made on the currently guideline-recommended stroke and bleeding risk scores, such as CHA2DS2-VASc (congestive heart failure or left ventricular dysfunction, hypertension, age ≥75, diabetes, stroke, vascular disease, age 65-74 and sex category [female]) and HAS-BLED (uncontrolled hypertension, abnormal renal/liver function, stroke, bleeding history or predisposition, labile international normalized ratio, elderly [e.g. age >65, frail condition], drugs [e.g. aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs]/excessive alcohol) is made. Future directions for improvement of predictive ability of risk assessment with clinical factors and biomarkers are also discussed.
Related Concept Videos
Venous Thrombosis IV: Nursing Management
Pre-Procedural Guidelines for Assessing Blood Pressure
Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care
Disorders of Hemostasis
Thromboembolic Disorders
Two factors primarily cause thromboembolic conditions.
Assessing Blood pressure using a doppler ultrasound
Pre-Procedural Guidelines for Doppler Ultrasound Blood Pressure Assessment:
Preparation of Equipment:
Special considerations while measuring blood pressure
Monitoring Both Arms:
Monitoring BP in both arms during the initial assessment is advisable, as the systolic value may differ by five to ten mm Hg between arms. For subsequent BP assessments, use the arm with the higher reading.

