What are the benefits and risks of adding aspirin therapy to VKA therapy for patients with AF with stable coronary artery disease or peripheral arterial disease?
The benefits of adding aspirin therapy to VKA therapy for patients with AF with stable coronary artery disease or peripheral arterial disease include improved blood clot formation prevention, reduced risk of stroke, and decreased risk of heart attack. However, the risks associated with aspirin therapy include gastrointestinal bleeding and increased risk of bleeding in the brain. Additionally, aspirin therapy is not recommended for individuals who have an increased risk of bleeding or who are taking other medications that can increase the risk of bleeding, such as anticoagulants, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or aspirin itself.