After adjusting for confounding variables, multivariate Cox regression analysis demonstrated that both ALB and NT-pro BNP were independent predictors of AF recurrence, with HR values of 0.612 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.512-0.732, P < 0.001] and 1.003 (95% CI 1.002-1.004, P < 0.001), respectively (Model 3, Table 3). The gene discussed is ALB; the disease is atrial fibrillation.