Circulating ESM-1 (endocan) in the assessment of atrial fibrillation and/or stroke

A method for assessing atrial fibrillation in a human subject with documented atrial fibrillation, comprising the steps of

• a) detecting the amount of Endocan (ESM-1) and optionally of a natriuretic peptide in a sample selected from the group consisting of blood, serum and plasma from the human subject, and
• b) comparing the amount of ESM-1 and optionally of the natriuretic peptide to a reference amount, wherein an amount of ESM-1 in the sample which is increased as compared to the reference amount is indicative for the subject being at risk of recurrence of atrial fibrillation;
• and
• c) administering to said human subject identified as at risk of atrial fibrillation at least one anticoagulant and/or an increased dosage of an already administered anticoagulant.