Coronary artery bypass grafting is associated with systemic inflammatory response. There have been studies performed to assess the relationship of genetic polymorphisms that could affect the expression of cytokines such as interleukin 6 (IL-6). Interleukin 6 is a pro-inflammatory cytokine and major mediator of acute phase response. The correlation between the -174 G/C polymorphism and the high production of IL-6 has enabled some investigators to anticipate and treat the patients prophylactically to reduce the IL-6 levels. 8