Cardiovascular diseases rank among the most important mortality causes in the Czech population. Although the unhealthy living style plays a key role in their development and progression, impacts of the hereditary predisposition can not be denied. This article characterizes the gene polymorphisms and results of mutations in general. An overview of the most important findings presented in papers published in the Czech Republic and worldwide follows. Issues of concrete gene polymorphism associations with such pathological conditions as acute or chronic heart failure, essential hypertension or heart rhythm disorders are discussed. Attention is paid to genes that participate on ß-adrenergic signalling, to genes for angiotensin, to ACE-gene and to angiotensin II receptor gene. A table summarizing the most important data is attached to the article.

        Key words: cardiovascular diseases, hereditary predisposition, gene polymorphism.