Interactive Tool: What Is Your Risk for a Stroke if You Have Atrial Fibrillation?

What does your score mean?

Your score will appear in as a value from 1% to 99%. If your score is 5%, it means that 5 out of 100 people with this level of risk will have a stroke in the next 5 years. If your score is 10%, it means that 10 out of 100 people with this level of risk will have a stroke in the next 5 years.

These percentages are one way your doctor might determine whether you should take the anticoagulant warfarin (such as Coumadin) to prevent a stroke. Talk with your doctor about the best way to lower your risk of stroke.

If you are at a 10% risk or lower, you may get enough protection from stroke by taking aspirin. Aspirin may be preferred because the risk of serious bleeding from taking warfarin outweighs the risk of having a stroke.

If you are above a 10% risk, talk to your doctor about taking warfarin. You may benefit from this medication because your risk for having a stroke is greater than the risks from taking warfarin.

Go to previous section	Go to top of page	Go to next section
Author:	Robin Parks, MS	Last Updated: February 23, 2007
Medical Review:	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine
© 1995-2008 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.