Abstract
Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) often develop acute coronary syndrome and undergo percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), and vice versa. Acute coronary syndrome and PCI mandate the use of dual antiplatelet therapy, while oral anticoagulation is recommended in patients with AF to mitigate thromboembolic risks. Clinical evidence concerning antithrombotic treatment in patients with either AF or PCI has been accumulated, but when combined, the therapeutic strategy becomes complex. Although triple therapy, a combination of oral anticoagulation with dual antiplatelet therapy, has been employed in patients with AF undergoing PCI as an initial antithrombotic strategy, less intensive regimens may be associated with a lower rate of bleeding without an increased risk of thrombotic events. This narrative review article summarizes currently available evidence of antithrombotic therapy in patients with AF undergoing PCI.