CD40LG and atrial fibrillation: Our study has shown a significant association between atrial fibrillation and serum inflammatory biomarkers (ie, hs‐CRP, IL‐6, and sCD‐40L), demographic (age), echocardiographic parameters (severe MS, Wilkins score, MVA) suggesting a potential synergistic role of chronic inflammation and chronic hemodynamic stress in the initiation and perpetuation of AF in rheumatic patients with predominant mitral stenosis.