Concomitant Use of Antiplatelets and Anticoagulants in Patients with Coronary Heart Disease and Atrial Fibrillation: What Do Recent Clinical Trials Teach Us?

Coronary heart disease (CHD) and atrial fibrillation (AF) are among the most common cardiovascular diseases. A significant proportion of patients have both CHD and AF and are at increased risk for thrombotic complications. Current therapy for CHD and AF includes antiplatelet and anticoagulant medications, respectively. Patients with concurrent CHD and AF may be prescribed dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) in addition to anticoagulation, which increases their bleeding risk. Controversy remains on how to balance risks and benefits in patients with CHD and AF in which multiple antithrombotic therapies may be indicated.

We review clinical trials and current guidelines for antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapy in CHD and AF. Aspirin and P2Y₁₂ inhibitors are the mainstay of antiplatelet therapy. Vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) are the most commonly used anticoagulant, although the use of non-VKA oral anticoagulants (NOACs) in patients with AF is increasing. Recent studies provide guidance on how to address antithrombotic therapies in patients with concomitant CHD and AF. To date, we have evidence that in patients with AF who undergo percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), clopidogrel with VKA may be used safely without aspirin. Also, low-dose rivaroxaban in combination with either clopidogrel only or DAPT is as effective as the traditional regimen of triple therapy with VKA and DAPT with lower bleeding risk. Dabigatran with a P2Y₁₂ inhibitor was also found to be safe with less bleeding compared to triple therapy with VKA and DAPT. Use of a single antiplatelet agent with anticoagulation has become a viable choice in patients with CHD and AF, but more clinical trial data is needed to confirm therapy and duration regimens.