Shabnam Rashid
In patients who have had percutaneous coronary intervention for acute coronary syndromes or stable angina dual antiplatelet therapy is required. If there is a history of atrial fibrillation, thrombosis or presence of a mechanical heart valve then long term anticoagulation may be necessary. However, the use of antiplatelets with anticoagulation increases the risk of bleeding. The need for anticoagulation in such patients needs to be carefully assessed by taking into account the risk of bleeding with anticoagulation and the risk of thromboembolic events without anticoagulation. If triple therapy is required then the shortest duration of treatment should be prescribed.
