What does the HAS-BLED score evaluate?

The HAS-BLED score is specifically designed to evaluate the risk of bleeding in patients who are on anticoagulation therapy, particularly those with atrial fibrillation. This score takes into account various factors that contribute to bleeding risk, such as hypertension, abnormal renal or liver function, stroke history, bleeding history, labile INR (international normalized ratio), age, and the presence of concomitant medication that increases bleeding risk. By providing a quantitative assessment of bleeding risk, the HAS-BLED score helps clinicians make informed decisions about the safety and appropriateness of anticoagulant therapy, ultimately aiming to reduce the incidence of major bleeding events in at-risk populations. This makes it critical in guiding treatment strategies for patients needing anticoagulation.