BLOOD PRESSURE | AGTR1 (rs5186)

Understanding Your AGTR1 Genotype and Blood Pressure

Blood pressure measures the force of blood pushing against artery walls and is essential for heart and overall health. One gene that influences blood pressure is AGTR1. AGTR1 makes the angiotensin II type-1 receptor, the primary docking station for the hormone angiotensin II. When angiotensin II binds to these receptors, blood vessels narrow and blood pressure rises. Variations in AGTR1 can change how many receptors are present or how active they are, which may affect your risk for high blood pressure and related cardiometabolic conditions such as insulin resistance and fatty liver.

How to Read This Result

This report refers to the rs5186 variant in AGTR1. The C allele is considered the effect allele, associated with increased receptor expression and higher risk. Your genotype may be:

CC — two copies of the effect allele (higher genetic risk)
AC — one copy of the effect allele (moderate genetic risk)
AA — zero copies of the effect allele (average genetic risk)

2 effect alleles — CC

If you have the CC genotype for rs5186, you carry two copies of the effect allele. This is associated with increased expression of angiotensin II type-1 receptors. With more of these receptors, angiotensin II can exert a stronger effect, narrowing blood vessels and raising blood pressure. Studies link the CC genotype to an approximately 2 to 7-fold increased risk of developing high blood pressure compared to other genotypes.

Beyond blood pressure, heightened AGTR1 activity may also increase risk of fatty liver disease and insulin resistance. Insulin resistance occurs when cells respond less effectively to insulin, which can raise the long-term risk for type 2 diabetes and other metabolic issues.

1 effect allele — AC

If you have the AC genotype for rs5186, you carry one copy of the effect allele. This is associated with likely increased expression of angiotensin II receptors compared to AA. Having additional receptors means angiotensin II has more docking stations, which can cause stronger blood vessel constriction and a moderately increased risk of developing high blood pressure compared to those without the C allele.

Because AGTR1 receptors are found in tissues beyond blood vessels, including the liver, the AC genotype is also linked to a moderately increased risk of fatty liver and insulin resistance. These conditions can influence broader cardiometabolic health.

0 effect alleles — AA

If you have the AA genotype for rs5186, you carry two copies of the non-effect allele. This genotype is associated with typical angiotensin II receptor expression levels. That means you do not carry the genetic C allele associated with increased AGTR1 receptor numbers and the associated 2 to 7-fold increased hypertension risk.

Your AGTR1 gene likely supports normal blood pressure regulation through the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system without this particular genetic risk factor for hypertension, insulin resistance, or fatty liver.

Practical Steps to Support Healthy Blood Pressure

Genes are one piece of the puzzle. Lifestyle, diet, sleep, and medications are powerful tools that influence blood pressure and cardiometabolic health regardless of genotype. The following recommendations are practical strategies you can discuss with your healthcare provider.

Diet

Reduce sodium intake. Aim to limit high-sodium processed foods and added salt. A lower-sodium diet helps most people lower blood pressure.
Increase potassium-rich foods. Fruits and vegetables such as bananas, spinach, sweet potatoes, and beans help balance sodium and support healthy blood pressure.
Adopt a DASH-style pattern. The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension approach emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy, and has been shown to lower blood pressure.
Limit processed carbohydrates and added sugars. High intake is linked to insulin resistance and fatty liver risk.

Supplements

Supplements may help some people but should be used under medical supervision, especially if you are taking blood pressure medications.

Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil): May help reduce blood pressure modestly and support cardiovascular health.
Magnesium: Can support blood vessel function and may have a mild blood pressure lowering effect for people who are low in magnesium.
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10): Some people experience modest blood pressure benefits.
Potassium supplements: Only when recommended and monitored by a provider, as excessive potassium can be harmful for certain medical conditions.

Lifestyle

Regular aerobic exercise. Aim for at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity activity, such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming.
Maintain a healthy weight. Losing excess weight can substantially lower blood pressure for many people.
Limit alcohol intake. Excessive alcohol raises blood pressure; follow guideline limits and discuss individual recommendations with your provider.
Quit smoking. Smoking acutely raises blood pressure and harms cardiovascular health.
Manage stress. Practices such as mindfulness, deep breathing, yoga, or cognitive strategies can help reduce blood pressure over time.
Prioritize sleep. Aim for consistent, restorative sleep each night. Poor sleep quality and short duration are linked to higher blood pressure and metabolic risk.

Blood Tests and Monitoring

Routine blood pressure checks. Monitor at home and share readings with your healthcare provider to detect trends early.
Fasting glucose and hemoglobin A1c. These tests assess glucose control and insulin resistance risk.
Liver function tests and imaging if clinically indicated. These help evaluate fatty liver risk and progression.
Lipid panel. Cholesterol and triglyceride levels are important components of overall cardiometabolic risk.
Electrolytes and kidney function. Especially important if you are starting blood pressure medications or supplements that affect fluid and electrolyte balance.

When to Speak with Your Healthcare Provider

If your blood pressure is consistently elevated or you have symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, or severe headaches.
If you plan to start supplements that can affect blood pressure or interact with medications.
If you have other health conditions such as kidney disease, diabetes, or a history of liver problems.
If you want personalized guidance on diet, exercise, medications, or genetic risk interpretation.

Limitations and Next Steps

Genetic information provides insight into predisposition but does not guarantee outcomes. The AGTR1 rs5186 variant can influence risk, but environment, lifestyle, and other genes also matter. Use this result as one tool to guide prevention and monitoring. Consider sharing these results with your healthcare provider to create a plan tailored to your overall health.

PlexusDx does not provide medical advice. This educational report is intended to help you understand genetic predispositions. Always consult your healthcare provider before making medical decisions, starting or stopping medications, or beginning new supplements or major lifestyle changes.