AF-CARE Pathway — EECC MCQ
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Correct answer: E — C = Comorbidities and risk factor management, A = Avoid stroke (anticoagulation), R = Reduce symptoms (rate and rhythm control), E = Evaluation and dynamic reassessment
The 2024 ESC AF Guidelines introduce the AF-CARE pathway as a comprehensive, patient-centred management framework. C = Comorbidities and cardiovascular risk factor management (hypertension, obesity, diabetes, OSA, HF, exercise — addressing the upstream drivers of AF). A = Avoid stroke and thromboembolism (anticoagulation based on CHA₂DS₂-VA). R = Reduce AF symptoms and improve quality of life through rate and/or rhythm control strategies. E = Evaluation and dynamic reassessment of treatment efficacy and adherence over time. This pathway replaces the previous ABC pathway and emphasises comorbidity management as the foundational 'C' pillar, reflecting growing evidence that aggressive risk factor management (weight loss, BP control, OSA treatment) improves AF outcomes independently of antiarrhythmic therapy.
Reference: ESC (2024): Guidelines for the Management of Atrial Fibrillation