HAS-BLED
Pronunciation: HAS-BLED
Also written as: HAS-BLED — Hypertension, Abnormal renal/liver function, Stroke, Bleeding history, Labile INR, Elderly, Drugs/alcohol
Bleeding risk assessment tool for patients on anticoagulation therapy.
Full Definition
The HAS-BLED score is a clinical decision tool used to assess the risk of major bleeding in patients receiving anticoagulant therapy, particularly those with atrial fibrillation. The acronym represents seven risk factors: uncontrolled hypertension (1 point), abnormal kidney or liver function (1 point each), history of stroke (1), bleeding history or predisposition (1), labile INRs or time in therapeutic range <60% (1), elderly age >65 years (1), and concomitant drugs or alcohol use (1 point each). A score ≥3 indicates high bleeding risk requiring careful monitoring and consideration of bleeding prevention strategies.
Usage
Usage note: All capitals when abbreviated; balance with stroke risk scores in clinical decisions.
In Context
- "The patient's HAS-BLED score of 4 warranted careful monitoring during anticoagulation." — Risk assessment
- "Despite a high HAS-BLED score, the stroke risk justified continued warfarin therapy." — Treatment decision