Similarly to C-reactive protein and fibrinogen, whose synthesis is stimulated by IL6R signalling, high circulating concentrations of interleukin 6 were associated with increased risk of coronary heart disease events in prospective observational studies.3, 4, 5 Despite exclusion of C-reactive protein and fibrinogen as causal mediators, on the basis of mendelian randomisation studies6, 7 IL6R signalling could be an important therapeutic target for prevention of coronary heart disease. The gene discussed is IL6R; the disease is coronary artery disorder.