[Genetics of ischemic stroke: where are we now?].

As stroke is the third leading cause of death after heart failure and tumors worldwide, cerebrovascular diseases reached substantial attention. In the past few years, significant progression has been seen in identification of genetic variants in the background of stroke and other cerebrovascular and cardiovascular events. Examination of these variants is a new approach to recognize pathogenesis of disorders that hopefully helps in future prevention and prospects of screening and, optimistically, it contributes to special care of patients susceptible for stroke. In the background of ischemic stroke several genetic variants have been identified, which localize in genes encoding proteins involved in hemostasis, renin-angiotensin system and lipid metabolism. The number of these variants exponentially increases permanently due to rapid spreading of genome wide association studies. The goal of this review is to summarize the results of genetic studies on ischemic stroke. Here the authors focus on genetic variants which can have major role in personalized medicine and prevention of stroke.