Which heart condition does the 'C' in CHADS2 represent?

The 'C' in CHADS2 stands for Congestive Heart Failure. CHADS2 is a clinical prediction rule used to estimate the risk of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation and to guide anticoagulation therapy. The acronym CHADS2 comprises several risk factors: Congestive heart failure, Hypertension, Age 75 years or older, Diabetes mellitus, and prior Stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). Congestive heart failure is an important risk factor because it indicates that the heart is not pumping effectively, which can lead to increased pooling of blood, procoagulable states, and ultimately a higher risk of thrombus formation that can result in a stroke. Understanding these components is critical for evaluating stroke risk and managing patients with atrial fibrillation effectively.