Inflammatory molecules such as tumor necrosis factor, interleukin-1, and interleukin-6 which are characteristically elevated in IBD, have been shown to impact both the electrical and structural aspects of the heart, thereby increasing the risk of AF Moreover, elevated levels of the inflammatory marker C-reactive protein have been associated with a higher likelihood of developing or exacerbating AF. This evidence concerns the gene IL6 and atrial fibrillation.