Among patients with COVID-19 in a cohort in Wuhan, China, those with a history of ischemic stroke had more co-morbidities, lower platelet and leukocyte counts, and higher D-dimer, pro-brain natriuretic peptide, and interleukin-6 levels compared to their counterparts without a prior history of stroke (6). The gene discussed is IL6; the disease is ischemic stroke.