IL6 and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: COPD patients often exhibit elevated levels of various pro-inflammatory factors, such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), which contribute to atrial structural remodeling and electrophysiological abnormalities, key factors in the onset of AF (10, 12, 13).