However, a predictive role of GDF-15 in terms of stroke/systemic embolism remains still controversial as evidenced in models when other biomarkers were included, namely NT-proBNP and cardiac troponin T in the Randomized Evaluation of Long-Term Anticoagulation Therapy (RE-LY) biomarker substudy and NT-proBNP, cardiac troponin I and cystatin C in the Apixaban for Reduction in Stroke and Other Thromboembolic Events in Atrial Fibrillation (ARISTOTLE) trial substudy [8, 10, 11]. Here, GDF15 is linked to atrial fibrillation.