CHADS2 Scores as a Predictor of Ischemic Stroke in Patients With Peripheral Artery Disease.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the predictive value of CHADS2 (congestive heart failure, hypertension, age ≥75 years, diabetes mellitus, stroke) scores for stroke risk in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database, we identified a total of 479 participants with non-atrial fibrillation PAD diagnoses recorded from January 1, 2002, through December 31, 2009. The CHADS2 score was used to stratify 5-year ischemic stroke risk. All participants were followed up from the date of enrollment until ischemic stroke event, death, or the end of 2009.

RESULTS

The 5-year risk of ischemic stroke in the present study was 9.4%. A strong correlation was found between the PAD and CHADS2 score (CHADS2 score of 0-1, 0.4%; CHADS2 score of 2-3, 12.3%; CHADS2 score ≥4, 84.0%; area under the curve = 0.920). After adjustment, CHADS2 score was found to be positively correlated with increased risk of ischemic stroke.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that patients with PAD have a significantly higher risk of ischemic stroke and that the CHADS2 score can be used as an indicator of risk for ischemic stroke. Cardiovascular risk evaluation and management are suggested for patients with PAD and higher CHADS2 scores.