Based on our results, certain electrocardiographic and echocardiographic markers, together with the measurement of serum PGRN, sVCAM-1, sICAM-1, leptin, CRP, LDL-C, oxLDL, LDL and HDL subfractions, can provide valuable information regarding atrial arrhythmia risk in SSc patients. The gene discussed is GRN; the disease is systemic sclerosis.