In our study, proBNP > 5,666pg/mL showed good specificity andreasonable sensitivity in the prediction of de novo AF.However, the pathophysiological relationship between AF and proBNP still needsto be explained and may be attributed to atrial dilation, atrial fibrosis, oreven decompensation of the underlying disease.(25) However, it seemsmore likely that proBNP, like troponin, is a consequence rather than a cause ofstress and/or injury. This evidence concerns the gene NPPB and atrial fibrillation.