ABC Stroke Score (with biomarkers): Explanation and Clinical Context The ABC Stroke Score is a validated risk prediction tool for estimating 1-year risk of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation. It integrates Age, Biomarkers (NT-proBNP), and Clinical history including prior stroke or TIA and renal function (creatinine).
Age is a continuous predictor, with higher age associated with increased stroke risk.
Prior stroke/TIA is a major risk factor and contributes substantially to the total score.
Renal function is included because impaired renal function is associated with increased thromboembolic risk.
NT-proBNP, a cardiac biomarker, reflects cardiac stress and is independently associated with stroke risk in atrial fibrillation.
The total score stratifies patients into low, intermediate, or high 1-year stroke risk categories, aiding clinicians in anticoagulation decision-making and individualized patient counseling.
Reference:
Hijazi Z, Oldgren J, Lindbäck J, et al. The ABC (Age, Biomarkers, Clinical history) stroke risk score for predicting stroke in atrial fibrillation: a biomarker-based risk score from the ARISTOTLE trial. Eur Heart J. 2016;37:1582-1590. doi:10.1093/eurheartj/ehv728