What is the HAS-BLED score and why is it important for AF patients?
The HAS-BLED score is a bleeding risk assessment tool designed to predict bleeding risk in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). It is important for AF patients because it has been validated in AF patients from clinical trial and nontrial cohorts, whether on no antithrombotic therapy, aspirin or anticoagulants, VKA or non-VKA anticoagulants, and is predictive of bleeding in AF and non-AF cohorts, and in different ethnic groups. The HAS-BLED score has also been shown to be similar or outperform older bleeding scores, as well as more accurately predicting bleeding risk throughout the patient pathway, allowing for regular review and follow-up of those at high risk of bleeding.  