【Abstract】 Background As an important signaling molecule, zinc takes part in ischemic preconditioning, postconditioning and pharmacological preconditioning, but the specific mechanisms remain unclear. Objective To review the role of zinc in myocardial preconditioning and its potential mechanisms. Content Covering the basic function of zinc, the role of zinc in myocardial preconditioning and its potential mechanisms. The underlying mechanisms may refer to the two main signaling pathways including Zn2+/PI3K/Akt/GSK-3βand NO/cGMP/PKG/ Zn2+/ERK, as well as involve in increasing the production of protective reactive oxygen species（ROS）. Trend The mechanisms for the interaction between zinc and mitochondrion will draw more and more attention, especially the interaction of zinc with mitochondrial bc1 complex and the relationship between zinc and the production of protective ROS signals.