The directionality of influence of the biomarkers need to be interpreted in accordance with the characteristics of the cohort; e.g. the influence of markers such as TnT, hsCRP, and GDF15 reflect the patterns of co-morbidities present in the sinus rhythm group which have a higher proportion of patients with diabetes, coronary artery disease, and hypertension. The gene discussed is GDF15; the disease is diabetes mellitus.