The association was of a positive log-linear shape and of considerable strength, independent of conventional cardiovascular risk factors including prior CHD and heart failure, persistent after further adjustment for NT-proBNP, eGFR, hs-CRP, AF, type of qualifying event, and NIHSS score >5 at admission, and consistent across clinically relevant subgroups (Central Illustration). The gene discussed is CRP; the disease is atrial fibrillation.