Is atrial fibrillation (AF) management as simple as “ABC,” or does it require a broader framework such as “SOS” or “CARE”? Contemporary AF care emphasizes an integrated approach focused on stroke prevention, symptom management, and optimization of cardiovascular risk factors and comorbidities. The AFFIRMO trial evaluated whether an app-based intervention could improve adherence to ABC pathway-guided care and enhance clinical outcomes in patients with AF.

In this episode, Thomas F. Deering MD, FACC and Gregory Y. H. Lip, MD, FACC discuss AFFIRMO: Atrial Fibrillation integrated approach in FraIl, multimoRbid and polyMedicated Older people.

Related References:

1. Lip GYH. The ABC pathway: an integrated approach to improve AF management. Nat Rev Cardiol. 2017;14(11):627-628. doi:10.1038/nrcardio.2017.153
2. Romiti GF, Corica B, Bucci T, et al. The 'Atrial Fibrillation Better Care' Pathway for Integrated Care of Atrial Fibrillation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Thromb Haemost. Published online January 30, 2026. doi:10.1055/a-2787-0186
3. Proietti M, Lip GYH, Ainsworth J, et al. Integrated care management for older multimorbid patients with atrial fibrillation: Rationale, design and baseline characteristics for the atrial fibrillation integrated approach in frail, multimorbid and polymedicated older people (AFFIRMO) trial. Am Heart J. 2026;295:107356. doi:10.1016/j.ahj.2026.107356