Do you have a family history of heart attacks?
You may have inherited genetic variants that affect your:
- Cholesterol – reduced “good” HDL-cholesterol or excess “bad” LDL-cholesterol can block the blood vessels
- Triglycerides – excess contribute to obesity and heart disease
- C-reactive protein – elevated levels lead to heart disease
- Lipoprotein(a) – similar to “bad” LDL-cholesterol, with excess levels causing narrowing of the blood vessels
Factors that affect your cardiovascular health
Both lifestyle and genetic factors can lead to abnormal levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, CRP and lipoproteins in the body, resulting in a greatly increased risk of life-threatening cardiovascular disease.
- Cholesterol – A fat-like substance that is produced in our body and obtained from some foods. It is transported around the body in two kinds of lipoproteins – HDL and LDL. Reduced “good” HDL-cholesterol or excess “bad” LDL-cholesterol leads to cholesterol accumulation in the arteries, resulting in narrowed or blocked blood vessels.
- Triglycerides – Obtained from the digestion and breakdown of fats in food and making up the majority of fat deposits in the body. Excess triglycerides contribute to obesity and heart disease.
- C-reactive protein (CRP) – A substance produced by the liver that increases during an inflammatory response. Elevated CRP levels can lead to heart disease.
- Lipoprotein(a) – A type of lipoprotein similar to “bad” LDL. It is rich in cholesterol and excess levels increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
| Gene(s) Tested | Effect |
| ANGPTL4, APOA5, FADS1, GALNT2, HNF4A, LIPG, MMAB | Reduced “good” HDL-cholesterol |
| CETP, LCAT, LIPC, LPL | Elevated “good” HDL-cholesterol |
| APOB, FADS1, LDLR, NCAN, PCSK9, SORT1, SUGP1 | Reduced “bad” LDL-cholesterol |
| HMGCR, HNF1A, TRIB1 | Elevated “bad” LDL-cholesterol |
| LPA | Elevated lipoprotein(a) |
| CRP, GCKR | Elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) |
| APOA5, FADS1, GALNT2, GCKR, NOS3, TRIB1 | Elevated triglycerides |
| ANGPTL3, LPL, MLXIPL, NCAN | Reduced triglycerides |
| 9p21 | Decreased control of cell proliferation |
Four Easy Steps
Step 1: Order text kit online
Step 2: Collect DNA sample using a simple and painless mouth swab
Step 3: Mail samples to the lab in the provided return envelope
Step 4: Receive your results online
