Hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) of atrial fibrillation by markers of atrial ECM remodelling, ARIC, 1990–2007.

Per standard deviation, unless otherwise noted. MMP = matrix metalloproteinase; TIMP = tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase; CICP = C-terminal propeptide of collagen; *CICP is log-transformed. Model 1: Cox proportional hazard model adjusted for age, sex and race. Model 2: Model 1+study site, education (high school degree vs. not), smoking (current vs. not), body mass index, physical activity, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, use of antihypertensive medication, and diabetes. Model 3: Model 2+C-reactive protein, NT-proBNP, prevalent coronary heart disease, prevalent heart failure and left ventricular hypertrophy.