Use of the CHADS2 score as a predictor of the risk of mortality in hypertensive patients. The FAPRES study

Abstract

Foundations and aim

The aim of this study is to analyze the CHADS₂ score as a marker of the risk of mortality in hypertensive patients, with and without the presence of atrial fibrillation.

Methods

We included 1003 hypertensive patients ≥65 years. Risk factors, and CHADS₂ score were recorded among other factors, as well as clinical follow-up of number and type of deaths.

Results

Mean age was 72.8 ± 5.8 years, and 47.5% were men. During follow-up there were 41 deaths, 20 were of cardiovascular origin. Patients with higher CHADS₂ had a higher mortality: 1.5% CHADS₂ = 1; 4.7% in CHADS₂ = 2; 9.1% in CHADS₂ = 3, and 7.8% in CHADS₂ ≥ 4.

Conclusions

The CHADS₂ score can be a clinical instrument of easy application to identify hypertensive patients with a high risk of mortality.

Resumen

Fundamentos y objetivo

El objetivo del estudio es analizar la escala CHADS₂ como marcador de riesgo de mortalidad en pacientes hipertensos, independientemente de la presencia o no de fibrilación auricular.

Métodos

Se incluyó a 1.003 pacientes hipertensos ≥ 65 años, recogiendo factores de riesgo y puntuación CHADS₂. Se realizó un seguimiento clínico de la mortalidad.

Resultados

La media de edad de la población fue 72,8 ± 5,8 años; el 47,5% eran varones. Durante el seguimiento hubo 41 muertes, 20 de origen cardiovascular. Los pacientes con mayor CHADS₂ tuvieron una mayor mortalidad: 1,5% en CHADS₂ = 1; 4,7% en CHADS₂ = 2; 9,1% en CHADS₂ = 3, y 7,8% en CHADS₂ ≥ 4.

Conclusiones

La puntuación CHADS₂ puede ser un instrumento clínico de sencilla aplicación para identificar pacientes hipertensos con alto riesgo de mortalidad.