Pro-inflammatory cytokines may accelerate development and progression of atherosclerotic process. Interleukin-6 (IL- 6) in such state has essential role. It is caused by its direct and indirect effect on other cytokines, acute phase proteins and endothelial cells. In our work we presented the role of IL-6 in development and progression of atherosclerosis. The influence of traditional risk factors on its secretion was also described. We presented also study in which IL-6 was use to risk assessment of cardiovascular disease both in primary and secondary prevention.