AbstractThe optimal anti-thrombotic therapy for secondary prevention after an acute coronary syndrome is still a matter of debate. While current guidelines recommend dual anti-platelet therapy with aspirin and a P2Y12 inhibitor over 12 months especially in patients with stent implantation, the value of prolonged anticoagulation is still controversial. In the ATLAS-TIMI 52 trial, a low-dose direct factor Xa inhibition with rivaroxaban compared with placebo reduced the combined primary endpoint

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... cardiovascular mortality, myocardial infraction and stroke with an increase in major bleeding complications. This article discusses the value and problems of adding low-dose rivaroxaban to anti-platelet therapy as secondary prevention measure after an acute myocardial infarction. It will describe the pros and cons of intensified anti-platelet therapy versus dual pathway inhibition and give recommendations for different patient groups in clinical practice.