The IL6 pathway is involved in atherosclerosis-related CVD with elevated IL6 concentrations being associated with atherosclerotic plaque formation,10 microvascular dysfunction11 and an increased risk of MI.12 High levels of circulating sIL6R are associated with an increased risk of CVD13 and adverse outcomes in patients with MI,14 15 and is causally related to CVD in Mendelian randomisation studies.16 17 In line with this, we show a linear association for IL6 and sIL6R with the outcome primarily in men. The gene discussed is IL6; the disease is myocardial infarction.