STROKE RISK CLASSIFICATION BY CHADS2 SCORE IN COMMUNITY POPULATION IN ABSENCE OF ATRIAL FIBRILLATION .

Abstract

CHADS2 score is a proven, simply calculated, essential tool for estimating cardioembolic risk (mainly stroke) in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF). The CHADS2 score is used in clinical practice to guide decisions regarding antiplatelet and anticoagulation therapy. The study aimed to evaluat the performance of the CHADS2 score & Community Stroke Risk Classification (CSRC) to classify stroke risk factors in population without AF. This study was conducted as a community based descriptive cross-sectional study in North Africa (North West of Libya), among individuals living in Tripoli area "the capital". It was done by Department of Community & Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tripoli. Duration of the study was five years from 1/1/2010 to 31/12/2014. Data was collected using CHADS2 and CSRC scores; Total of 7497 individuals (52.8% males & 48.2% females) were interviewed by taking detailed histories (present, past, medical, hospital admission), checking of any available investigations, discharge letters and medical reports and perform medical examinations. Among 7497 screened, 64.2 % (4814) had risk factors (RF) of stroke and 35.8% (2682) have no risk on CHADS2 score corresponds to low stroke risk. Among population having CHADS2 risk score, 64.3% (3096) have intermediate risk score, corresponds to intermediate or moderate stroke risk. 1719 (35.7%) had high risk score corresponds to a greater high stroke risk. On Community Stroke Risk Classification (CSRC), majority of the population having stroke risk score grades with one or more risk factors (64.2%). Among 4814 had risk factors of stroke, The analysis showed significant difference in CSRC score grades (P