In multivariable analysis, five variables were identified as significant predictors of HF hospitalization: atrial fibrillation (HR = 1.8 (1.1,2.9); p = 0.030, NYHA class III/IV (HR = 2.2 (1.3,3.6); p = 0.002), ejection fraction <20% (HR = 1.7 (1.1,2.7); p = 0.03), HS-IL6 >4.03pg/ml (HR = 1.7 (1.1,2.9); p = 0.03) and hemoglobin <12g/dL (HR = 2.2 (1.3,3.6); p = 0.003) (Fig 1). Here, IL6 is linked to atrial fibrillation.