Which Antithrombotic Strategy Is Best in AF Patients Hospitalized for Coronary Artery Disease?

A large Danish registry study suggests that dual anticoagulant–antiplatelet therapy is as effective as triple therapy including aspirin.

Many patients taking an oral anticoagulant for atrial fibrillation (AF) also require dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) for treatment of coronary artery disease. In a previous study, investigators used Danish national registry data to assess bleeding events with various combinations of antithrombotic agents in patients with AF hospitalized for myocardial infarction (MI) or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) between 2001 and 2009 (NEJM JW Cardiol Sep 26 2012). Now, the investigators have reported results of a broader efficacy and safety analysis in a similar cohort of 12,165 registry participants (mean age, 76; 61% men).

Compared with triple therapy consisting of a vitamin K antagonist (VKA) plus DAPT, the risk for MI or coronary death wi…

Reviewing Author

Howard C. Herrmann, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardAffluent Medical; Artedrone; Caranx; Johnson & Johnson; Medtronic; Prolifagen; Wells Fargo

EquityMicrointerventional Devices, Inc.

RoyaltiesUniversity of Pennsylvania

Grant/Research SupportAbbott Vascular; Edwards Lifesciences; Johnson & Johnson; Medtronic

Editorial BoardsCatheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions; Journal of the American College of Cardiology; Circulation: Cardiovascular Interventions; JACC Cardiovascular Interventions; JACC Case Reports; JSCAI

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesHeart Valve Collaboratory (Scientific Committee Member, Chair of the Publications Committee)