Clinical tool
HAS-BLED
Bleeding risk on anticoagulation.
Score
0/ 9
Lower bleeding risk
Roughly 1% major bleeding per year at 0–1. Continue routine review of modifiable factors.
A high HAS-BLED score is not a reason to withhold anticoagulation. It identifies patients who need modifiable bleeding risks corrected and closer follow-up. Several of the items — blood pressure, NSAID use, alcohol, INR control — are the intervention rather than the verdict. In most patients with a genuine indication, stroke risk outweighs bleeding risk, and withholding anticoagulation on the basis of this score alone causes net harm.
For practising medics only. Clinical tools support judgement, they do not replace it. Always verify results against current guidelines and the patient in front of you.