By multivariate analysis, persistent AF was significantly associated with COPD (P = .034), New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class (P = .040), serum NT‐proBNP (P = .003), LA (P = .022) and right atrial size (P < .001) and cardiac output by CMR (P = .002). This evidence concerns the gene NPPB and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.