Competing risk analysis revealed that the significant association between elevated CRP (> 2 mg/L) and AF risk in CSs, observed in models adjusted for sociodemographic and clinical factors (HR 1.21, 95% CI 1.06–1.37; P = 0.005), progressively attenuated with further adjustment for lifestyle factors (HR 1.14, 95% CI 0.99–1.31; P = 0.076). The gene discussed is CRP; the disease is atrial fibrillation.