Research Tracker›Biomarker Atlas›Atrial Fibrillation›Growth Differentiation Factor-15 (GDF-15)

Growth Differentiation Factor-15 (GDF-15) in Atrial Fibrillation

In Atrial Fibrillation, the direction of change for Growth Differentiation Factor-15 (GDF-15) is inconsistent across studies that used healthy controls as the reference group. The source does not tie this marker to a specific symptom cluster, so it is best read as a biological signal rather than a symptom predictor. The evidence summarised here comes from Rivera-Caravaca et al. 2020 and reflects averages across cohorts rather than any single patient's result.

↕ InconsistentOther

Summary

Direction in Atrial Fibrillation↕ Inconsistent — reported as both higher and lower across studies, with no consistent direction
CategoryOther
Compared againsthealthy controls
SourceRivera-Caravaca et al. 2020 — doi:10.1136/jim-2020-001351
Condition atlasAtrial Fibrillation Biomarker Atlas

Related Other markers in Atrial Fibrillation

Full list: Atrial Fibrillation Biomarker Atlas.

Frequently asked questions

Is Growth Differentiation Factor-15 (GDF-15) high or low in Atrial Fibrillation?

Mixed. Some studies report higher and others lower Growth Differentiation Factor-15 (GDF-15) in Atrial Fibrillation compared with healthy controls, so no single direction is established. Source: Rivera-Caravaca et al. 2020.

Which test measures Growth Differentiation Factor-15 (GDF-15)?

The atlas record does not list a standardised clinical test code (LOINC) for Growth Differentiation Factor-15 (GDF-15), which usually means it was measured with research assays or study-specific protocols rather than a routine clinical panel. Check the cited source for the exact method.

Is one abnormal Growth Differentiation Factor-15 (GDF-15) result diagnostic of Atrial Fibrillation?

No. No single biomarker is diagnostic of Atrial Fibrillation. Growth Differentiation Factor-15 (GDF-15) findings come from group comparisons, overlap considerably between patients and controls, and vary with study design, timing and comparison group. A result should be interpreted by a clinician alongside symptoms, history and other tests.

Cite this page

Open Source Medicine Foundation. (2026). Growth Differentiation Factor-15 (GDF-15) in Atrial Fibrillation: direction, evidence and what it means. OSMF Research Tracker. Retrieved October 8, 2026, from https://research.opensourcemed.info/biomarkers/atrial-fibrillation/growth-differentiation-factor-15-gdf-15.html
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Last reviewed: 2026-10-08 · Page generated from atrial-fibrillation.json · Browse: Atrial Fibrillation atlas · Biomarker Index · All marker pages

Disclaimer: This page is an educational synthesis of published, peer-reviewed research and is not medical advice. Biomarker findings vary across studies with case definitions, comparison groups, timing and assay methods. Direction of change reflects the predominant finding in the cited source and does not establish a diagnostic threshold. Discuss any test result with a qualified clinician.